Cuba’s electrical grid collapsed on Friday after the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant failed, following a major blackout the previous day, Reuters reports.
The Cuban Energy Ministry reported that state-owned power company UNE was trying to provide power through distributed generation and that a gas-fired thermoelectric plant was being activated. However, millions of Cubans remained without electricity as night fell, with no clear timeline for restoration.
Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero addressed the situation, stating that the recent power issues were due to increased demand from businesses, residences’ air conditioners, maintenance issues with old plants, and fuel shortages. Emergency measures were implemented, including suspending classes and shutting down non-essential services.
