March 17, 2026
Around 10 million residents in Cuba face power outages after the national electric grid collapsed on 16 March. Cuba has faced multiple power outages in recent years, with conditions worsening due to fuel shortages exacerbated by the recent blockade on oil shipments to the country by the United States. The government has announced emergency measures in response to the energy crisis, including reduced school hours and decreased transport services. The country’s grid operator, UNE, has begun an investigation into the cause of the blackout and is working to gradually restore electricity.