Cubas Electricity Plant Successfully Repaired After Large Blackout

Cuba’s Energy Infrastructure Strains Under US Pressure Campaign

A thermoelectric plant in western Cuba, Antonio Guiteras, shut down on Wednesday due to a broken boiler, causing widespread power outages across the island. Repair teams have successfully fixed the issue and are expected to resume operations by Saturday afternoon.

According to Felix Estrada Rodriguez, a top engineer at Cuba’s Electric Union, the repair process was hindered by difficult working conditions and safety concerns. The plant is an ageing facility that relies heavily on fossil fuels, with China providing assistance in developing alternative power sources such as solar energy.

The US has imposed restrictions on Cuba, including an oil blockade, which has exacerbated the country’s economic and humanitarian crisis. These measures have been tightened since Donald Trump returned to office in 2025. Trump has stated his intention to “topple the Cuban government” and has threatened economic action against countries that supply Cuba with oil.

The US pressure campaign has led to increased blackouts across the island, with millions of people affected by power outages. The Cuban government has announced austerity measures to conserve energy, but protests have broken out in response to chronic shortages and frustration with the government.

According to the Cuban Electric Union, approximately 1,000 megawatts of power are available, which is enough to meet less than half of Cuba’s current demand. The situation highlights the strain on Cuba’s ageing energy infrastructure under US-imposed restrictions.

Source: Al Jazeera