Cuba’s national power grid experienced a total blackout on Friday, prompting the National Electric Union (UNE) to investigate the causes and initiate restoration protocols.
The National Electric Union (UNE) announced via social media that it is actively investigating the causes of the blackout and has activated emergency protocols to restore power, assuring that it will continue to provide updates on the restoration efforts.
RELATED: Cuba Suffers a Power Grid Total Disconnection
These frequent power outages have become more common in recent months due to the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba.
The blockade, intensified by the Trump administration’s petrol asphyxiation policy, has deprived the Caribbean country of essential income and supplies needed to maintain and expand its power generation infrastructure.
The current U.S. coercive policy, implemented in January, threatens punitive tariffs on any country that sells petroleum to Cuba, exacerbating the already dire situation.
⚠️ #Actualización || Sobre el restablecimiento del SEN.
👉 Ya se encuentran en línea 3 unidades de generación con gas acompañante. Continúa el proceso de recuperación del SEN. pic.twitter.com/oBriaIaYkv
— Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (@OSDE_UNE) September 18, 2026
Text reads: “Update | On the restoration of the national electrical system (SEN). Already 3 generation units with accompanying gas are online. The recovery process of the national power system is continuing.”
Fuel Shortages Persist
The effects of the blockade have been compounded by a series of sanctions imposed by the U.S. on key sectors of Cuban economy. The deficit of fuel has severely impacted all productive activities and essential services. Since December 2025, only one Russian tanker, the Anatoly Kolodkin, has delivered 100,000 tons of petroleum to the Caribbean nation. The country has had to rely on domestically extracted oil and approximately 50 photovoltaic parks with a combined capacity of 21.8 MW to generate electricity.
Despite these challenges, Cuba’s strategic program to install additional photovoltaic infrastructure has not been halted. However, the shortage of diesel and gasoline has slowed the program’s progress, preventing it from providing quicker relief to the people.
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Una publicación compartida de teleSUR English (@telesurenglish)
The National Electric Union’s (UNE, in Spanish) efforts to restore power come as Cuba faces mounting economic pressures. The country’s ability to maintain its power grid is severely compromised by the lack of essential supplies and the continuous economic sanctions imposed by U.S.
The situation highlights the broader impact of the U.S. blockade on Cuba’s infrastructure and economy. As Cuba continues to grapple with these challenges, the National Electric Union (UNE) remains committed to restoring power and providing updates to the public.
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