Millions Without Power as Cuba Hit by Latest Major Blackout
HAVANA, Cuba — September 19, 2026

Millions of people across Cuba were left without electricity Friday after the country’s national power grid suffered another major collapse.

The outage was reported after a failure in high-voltage transmission lines in central Cuba around 2 p.m. local time, according to Cuban authorities. Officials said restoration efforts had begun, but much of the country remained without power.

Power Grid Collapses Nationwide
Cuba’s Energy Ministry announced a “total disconnection” of the electrical system as the blackout spread across the island.

By Friday evening, electricity had returned to only a small portion of Havana, with some restored areas located near hospitals and other critical facilities. Authorities were also establishing smaller isolated power systems in several provinces to keep essential services operating.

The latest outage is among several nationwide grid failures Cuba has experienced this year. Reuters reported that the country has suffered at least six major partial or total grid collapses since January.

Long Blackouts Disrupt Daily Life
The blackout has added to weeks of prolonged electricity shortages.

In Havana, outages have recently lasted more than 30 hours at a time, while some provinces have experienced power cuts lasting more than 60 hours.

The electricity crisis has also affected water supplies, transportation, communications and other basic services.

Residents have described growing frustration as they cope with repeated periods without electricity, particularly during Cuba’s hot weather.

Aging Infrastructure and Fuel Shortages
Cuban officials have attributed the latest collapse to problems involving the transmission system and unstable weather conditions.

The country’s aging power infrastructure has also been under severe strain because of fuel shortages and difficulties maintaining older power plants.

The recurring outages have become one of the most visible signs of Cuba’s broader energy and economic difficulties.

Restoration Efforts Underway
Authorities said restoration protocols were activated following the nationwide collapse.

Electricity was gradually returning to limited areas, but officials had not yet announced when power would be fully restored across the island.

The situation remained fluid Saturday as crews continued working to stabilize the national grid.

Sources
Reuters — Cuba’s electrical grid collapses again, plunging island into darkness, September 18, 2026.
Associated Press — Cuba hit with another blackout as millions across island are left without electricity, September 18, 2026.
DW / AFP / AP / Reuters — Cuba faces another nationwide blackout amid US fuel blockade, September 19, 2026.