Massive power outage: Cuba in complete darkness

HAVANA (TNND) — Cuba was in total darkness Friday due to a failure at one of the island's hermoelectric power plants, according to the energy ministry.

"From the highest leadership of the country we are working to resolve this energy contingency as soon as possible. We will not rest until it is restored," Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz said on X.

The energy ministry also addressed the widespread power outage on social media.

"Following the unexpected departure of the Antonio Guiteras CTE, the National Electricity System was completely disconnected at 11 a.m. today. The Unión Eléctrica is working on its restoration," the agency wrote on X.

In a separate post, the agency said it is in the process of restoring the electrical system by reviewing the status of each of the thermoelectric plants, the availability of fuel, along with what they described as "the situation of the network."

The agency also said "distributed generation is being used to create micro systems in the territories."

The prime minister warned the situation had "worsened in recent days,” adding that “we have been halting economic activities to ensure energy for the population.”

The outage comes after parts of the nation were flooded by Hurricane Helene.