Darkness grips Cuba as power grid collapses across the country for second time
Cuba’s Blackout: Why the Island Lost Power Again
Millions of Cubans were left in the dark Friday, October 18, 2024, as the country experienced a nationwide blackout. The Cuban government declared an “energy emergency,” but officials did not say when the lights would be restored. This blackout, impacting the entire population of 11 million people, has raised many questions about the island’s crumbling electrical infrastructure.
The current crisis is not a new problem for Cuba. For years, experts have warned that the country’s electrical grid is vulnerable due to outdated equipment and a lack of maintenance. Some of the power plants in Cuba have been operating for over 50 years, according to Jorge Piñón, director of the Latin America and Caribbean Energy Program at the University of Texas. Without sufficient funds, the Cuban government has been unable to maintain these aging plants, leaving the grid prone to frequent failures, particularly in rural areas. In fact, the country’s reliance on old technology, coupled with the use of local oil with impurities, further weakens the system, making breakdowns and reduced energy production capacity common.
This isn’t the first time Cuba has faced widespread blackouts. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian hit the island, completely wiping out the country’s electrical system. The situation left much of the population without power for several days. While the current blackout was not caused by a natural disaster, the fragility of Cuba’s grid makes it just as vulnerable to technical problems and interruptions.
Another major issue that has contributed to Cuba’s blackout is the reduced supply of oil from Venezuela. Cuba’s energy needs are partly met through oil imports, and for many years, Venezuela has been one of its key suppliers. However, oil shipments from Venezuela have fallen sharply in recent months. This is due to both Venezuela’s internal problems and its shifting priorities. Caracas is dealing with its own technical issues and financial troubles. According to the Miami Herald, oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba dropped to about 22,000 barrels per day in September, less than half of what they were in previous years. The Venezuelan government is now prioritizing its oil shipments to China to help repay massive loans, and to the United States through Chevron, which has a special license to operate in Venezuela despite U.S. sanctions.
Juan Fernández, a former executive with Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), explained that Venezuela is struggling with its own power blackouts, which have affected its ability to refine and ship oil. This has created a significant shortfall in Cuba’s energy supply.
Cuba’s energy crisis is also tied to its inability to purchase fuel on the international market. The country requires about 120,000 barrels of oil daily to meet its energy needs. Cuba produces only around 40,000 barrels per day, and it has been receiving about 20,000 barrels from Mexico. However, the government’s financial situation is dire, leaving it unable to purchase the remaining fuel it needs. Cuban economist Omar Everleny Perez has pointed out that the Cuban government is essentially bankrupt. Speaking at an event at Florida International University, Perez said that while Cuba has tried to maintain political alliances with countries like Russia and China, these partnerships have not yielded the financial support that was hoped for.
Despite these challenges, the Cuban government remains resistant to market reforms. The leadership blames much of the country’s economic struggles on U.S. sanctions, which have been in place for decades. Yet, economists like Perez argue that the bigger problem is the country’s outdated socialist economic model, which has stifled foreign investment and hindered private-sector growth.
In an effort to resolve the energy crisis, the Cuban government has made some attempts to fix the grid, but experts say these are only short-term solutions. Glen Sartain, managing director of West Monroe’s Energy & Utilities Consulting, highlighted that the country’s power plants are highly inefficient, and even with temporary fixes, significant investment is needed to overhaul the entire system.
Cuba’s current blackout is just the latest chapter in a long history of energy struggles. As the government continues to look for solutions, the future of the island’s electrical grid remains uncertain. What is clear is that without major reforms, the lights may go out again.
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