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- Cuba’s power grid fails, plunging country into darkness (newsbreak.com)
Cuba Plunges into Darkness as Power Grid Fails
Cuba’s national power grid has collapsed, leaving the entire island without electricity. The crisis began when the country’s largest power plant, Antonio Guiteras, shut down due to a technical failure.
The government had already taken measures to conserve energy, including closing schools and businesses. However, the grid’s failure has left 10 million people without power.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel has vowed to restore power as soon as possible. All non-essential government services have been canceled, and only healthcare and food industry workers are required to work.
The blackout has exacerbated the already dire situation in Cuba, which has been plagued by shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine.
Fuel Shortage to Blame
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has blamed the ongoing fuel shortage for the power crisis. Hurricane Milton has disrupted the delivery of fuel to power plants.
Cuba also faces difficulties in acquiring fuel and spare parts due to the US embargo and sanctions. The country’s two largest power plants are operating below capacity and need urgent maintenance.
Private Businesses to Pay More
To compensate for the energy shortfall, the government will charge private businesses higher electricity rates. Cuba’s fast-growing private sector has increased the demand for electricity.
Fuel Supply Dries Up
Cuba’s largest oil supplier, Venezuela, has reduced shipments to the island. Russia and Mexico have also cut back on fuel exports to Cuba.
The country is struggling to find alternative fuel sources on the spot market, as it faces financial difficulties. Electricity officials hope to improve power generation in the coming days as fuel from previous deliveries is distributed.
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- Cuba’s power grid fails, plunging country into darkness (newsbreak.com)