Cuba is experiencing blackouts across the country after a major power plant failed

Cuba has faced a nationwide blackout after its main power plant failed, officials said.

Its power grid collapsed at around 11:00 (15:00 GMT), the energy department said. wrote to X.

Grid officials said they did not know how long it would take to restore power.

It follows months of prolonged power outages on the island – prompting the prime minister to declare a “power emergency” on Thursday.

Friday’s blackout occurred after the Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas – the island’s largest – went offline.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez said the situation is “very important” to him.

“There will be no rest until power is restored,” wrote to X.

Earlier on Friday, officials announced that all schools and non-essential activities, including nightclubs, would be closed until Monday.

Non-essential workers were asked to stay at home to protect the power supply, and non-essential government services were suspended.

Cubans were also urged to turn off high-use appliances during peak times, such as refrigerators and ovens, according to media reports.

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero addressed the public in a televised message on Thursday, criticizing crumbling infrastructure, fuel shortages and increasing demand for electric mobility.

“The lack of fuel is the main reason,” he said.

The head of the National Electric Union (UNE) Alfredo López Valdés also admitted that the island was facing a challenging electricity situation, with a major shortage to blame.

Extended blackouts – especially these widespread ones – are always a tense time in Cuba.

In part, because the ability to keep the lights on represents a potential public order problem for the Cuban government.

In July 2021, thousands of protesters took to the streets in protests triggered by a multi-day power outage across much of the country.

The desperation caused by precious food going to waste in warm fridges and freezers is compounded by residents living days without air conditioners or ceilings due to the island’s sweltering heat.

In most buildings, electric pumps deliver tap water, so there is no power and no water.

In addition, the absence of fuel at the pumps means that people cannot work or use their cars to solve basic problems or tend to urgent needs.

The Cuban Government is increasingly realizing that many on the island have lost some level of fear by talking about the many daily problems they face on the island.

Some are even ready to enter the streets and chant slogans against the government, if the conditions allow.

In March, Hundreds of people in Cuba’s second largest city, Santiago, staged a rare public protest over chronic power outages and food shortages.