The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, requested trust from the people this Wednesday after the National Electric System (SEN) collapsed due to an unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE) in Matanzas.
"I am fully convinced that there will be intense efforts to provide a quick response. The directives have been given. (...) A big hug and trust, as we are doing everything possible and impossible to restore the service as soon as possible," expressed Marrero.
His statements were broadcast by National Television. He did not provide specific details on the extent of the damage or a recovery timeline.
This Thursday, the Prime Minister posted a message on his X profile stating: "So far, we have successfully restored 500 MW in the country. The process of starting up several units continues, and efforts are underway to supply power to the CTE Antonio Guiteras. Strengthening the Camagüey microsystem to incorporate block 6 of Nuevitas is another priority."
Lack of maintenance and critical aging of the system
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) confirmed that the total system failure occurred at 9:14 AM on September 10th, leaving the entire country without electricity, on a day when a disruption of over 1,790 megawatts was anticipated.
This is the second nationwide blackout recorded in 2025, reflecting a structural crisis in the Cuban energy system that remains unsolved.
Just hours before the collapse, the government itself had acknowledged that the situation of the SEN was "harsh" and that the CTE Antonio Guiteras would soon be taken offline for maintenance, an announcement that now seems like a warning that went unheeded.
Officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) and UNE have recently justified the prolonged blackouts across the country by arguing that many plants have been operating for over four decades without major repairs.
A system on the brink of collapse
The Guiteras thermal power plant has repeatedly been identified as a "weak point" in the system due to its frequent unexpected outages. The plant is strategic because of its relatively high contribution to base generation, but its deterioration is evident.
In March of last year, another general blackout shook the island, caused by a failure at the Diezmero substation in Havana. In July 2024, a protection failure at the same plant also left the entire country without electricity for more than eight hours.
The Cuban population has been living for months under a regime of scheduled and prolonged outages that affect daily life, the economy, and basic services. The government's explanations, focused on technological aging and the scarcity of parts, have not prevented the growing social discontent.
Frequently asked questions about the nationwide blackout in Cuba and the crisis of the National Electric System
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The last general blackout in Cuba was caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant in Matanzas, which led to a total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) on September 10, 2025. This plant is a critical point in the system due to its deterioration and lack of proper maintenance.
What is the current status of the National Electric System in Cuba?
The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba is in a critical state due to the aging of plants and a lack of maintenance. The energy crisis is a reflection of structural problems, exacerbated by outdated technology and a shortage of spare parts, resulting in frequent and prolonged blackouts.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has stated that it has a strategy to address the energy crisis, but so far there have been no effective solutions or clear recovery timelines. Efforts have been mentioned to restore electricity generation, such as strengthening the microsystem in Camagüey and working on the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant, but social discontent continues due to the lack of concrete results.
What impact do the recurring blackouts have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Frequent blackouts in Cuba severely impact the daily lives of citizens, causing food loss, interruptions in basic services, and increased social unrest. The population faces scheduled and prolonged outages that complicate household economies and create significant uncertainty about the country's energy future.
Filed under:
