Cuba experienced a nationwide blackout on Monday, affecting approximately 10 million people as the country's energy crisis continues. The state-run Electric Union reported a total disconnection of the National Electric Power System, with investigations into the causes underway. Limited electricity service was restored in some areas after a generating unit resumed operations two hours post-collapse.
Public transportation was largely halted during the blackout, and tens of thousands of surgeries were canceled, according to The Associated Press. The energy minister indicated that officials were working to restore power and accused the U.S. of contributing to the energy struggles. President Miguel Díaz-Canel also attributed the crisis to U.S. policies, describing the energy blockade as detrimental to the country.
Cuba has faced increasing power outages in recent years due to chronic fuel shortages and deteriorating electrical infrastructure. The situation worsened following sanctions imposed by the Trump administration in January. The Cuban government has implemented scheduled power outages to conserve fuel, with some areas experiencing outages lasting over 24 hours. Earlier blackouts this year affected western provinces and resulted in island-wide outages.