Cuba Total Power Failure Prompts Embassy Security Alert for U.S. Citizens
The U.S. Embassy alert stated that Cuban state media reported the reason for the collapse and any timeline for restoring power remained unknown at the time the alert was issued.
CUBA — Cuba’s electrical grid collapsed on July 6, producing a total power failure across the country that began at 12 p.m. Eastern Time, the U.S. Embassy in Havana stated in its security alert.
The U.S. Embassy alert stated that Cuban state media reported the reason for the collapse and any timeline for restoring power remained unknown at the time the alert was issued.
Cellphone and internet outages were reported in connection with the power loss. The embassy directed all U.S. citizens in Cuba or planning travel to the country to remain aware of the situation and to adjust their plans as needed.
The embassy alert added that Cuba’s electrical grid has shown increasing instability. Seven nationwide power outages have occurred in the past 18 months.
The electrical system continues to face vulnerabilities, with regular outages taking place more frequently and lasting longer than before. Scheduled power cuts occur daily in various areas, while unscheduled outages persist throughout the country.
Glossary Index
MW (megawatts): Unit of electrical power. It measures how much electricity a plant can produce or how much demand exists at one moment.
MWh (megawatt-hours): Unit of electrical energy. It measures the total amount of electricity generated or used over time (one megawatt running for one hour).
Nota informativa: Official bulletin or information statement released by Cuba’s state electric company (Unión Eléctrica).
Sistema Electroenergético Nacional (SEN): Cuba’s national electric power grid and generation system.
Termoeléctrica: Thermal power plant. A facility that burns fossil fuels (oil, gas, or coal) to produce steam that drives turbines and generates electricity.
Microsystems: Small, localized power networks created during recovery to supply only the most essential services (hospitals, water pumping stations, etc.) while the main grid is being restored.
Distributed generation plants: Smaller power plants scattered across many locations instead of one large central facility. They are easier to repair individually but can be affected by fuel shortages.
Patanas: Floating power plants mounted on barges. Cuba uses these mobile units to add temporary generation capacity in coastal areas.
Power Failure Onset and Initial Impact
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