Cuba’s national electrical grid collapsed for a third time on Saturday, leaving millions without power and raising questions about the government’s attempt to reestablish electrical service.
The grid first collapsed on Friday after the island’s largest power plant shut down. The energy ministry announced that it was working to reestablish service, adding that another disconnection had occurred in the “western sub-system,” including the capital Havana.
The process of reestablishing the electrical system continues to be complex. The third grid collapse marks a major setback in the government’s efforts to quickly restore power to exhausted residents suffering from severe food, medicine, and fuel shortages.
Internet traffic dropped sharply in Cuba on Saturday, as vast power outages made it almost impossible for most island residents to charge phones and get online.
The government has blamed weeks of worsening blackouts on deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and rising demand. Cuba also blames the US trade embargo and sanctions instituted by then-President Donald Trump for ongoing difficulties in acquiring fuel and spare parts to operate and maintain its oil-fired plants.
The US has denied any role in the grid failures. Reuters reporters witnessed two small protests overnight, and various videos of protests elsewhere in the capital began to crop up on social media late on Saturday.
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