Cuba Restores Electrical Grid Amid Power Shortages

Cuba has reconnected its national electrical grid following a major plant failure that left millions without power, but generation remains significantly below demand, with current output at only 1,450 megawatts compared to a typical peak of 3,200 megawatts. Although power has been restored across Havana, many residents continue to face hours-long rolling blackouts due to aging infrastructure and maintenance issues, as nearly half of the country's generation facilities are offline. The crisis has worsened due to dwindling oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, exacerbating public frustration and unrest. The ongoing blackouts, alongside shortages of food, medicine, and water, have led to a record-breaking exodus of residents from the island since 2020. The Cuban government attributes these challenges to the long-standing U.S. trade embargo, which complicates financial transactions and the procurement of essential fuel and spare parts. Overall, the situation highlights the precarious state of Cuba's energy system amidst a broader economic crisis.