Cuba's Power Crisis: Grid Collapses Twice in 24 Hours

Cuba's electrical grid failed twice within 24 hours, affecting over 10 million people. Government officials cited infrastructure issues, fuel shortages, and external pressures as causes. Attempts to restore power are ongoing, with progress hindered by external factors like Hurricane Milton and cutbacks in fuel exports from allies.

Cuba is struggling to restore electricity nationwide after the national grid collapsed twice in 24 hours, according to state-run media. The second failure occurred in western Cuba, forcing technicians to reconnect major power plants.

Lazaro Guerra, the country's top electricity official, expressed uncertainty about a complete restoration within the day but anticipates significant progress. The first grid issue began Friday when a major plant shutdown affected more than 10 million residents, prompting the government to send non-essential workers home and cancel classes to preserve fuel.

Infrastructure decay, fuel shortages, and high demand are blamed for recurring blackouts, exacerbated by Hurricane Milton which hampered fuel deliveries. With allies like Venezuela reducing fuel exports, Cuba is forced into pricier oil markets, further strained by U.S. trade embargoes. The U.S. denies involvement in the grid failures.