Cuba’s National Electric System (SEN) suffered a total blackout on March 16, 2026, leaving the entire island without power, according to state grid operator Unión Eléctrica (UNE).
Cause and Scope
The failure originated at the critical Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant near Matanzas, cascading across the grid amid chronic fuel shortages and aging infrastructure. This marks the latest in ongoing 2024-2026 blackouts, affecting 11 million residents including Havana.
Government Response
Officials blame U.S. oil sanctions halting Venezuelan/Russian supplies, forcing reliance on diesel generators now depleted. Restoration efforts target partial service within 72 hours via distributed generation; emergency measures include rationing and imports.
Crisis Context
Repeated failures (fifth partial SEN collapse in months) exacerbate economic woes, with peak demand exceeding fragile capacity by 1,000+ MW. Public frustration mounts over prolonged outages lasting 18+ hours daily.
