Electricity gradually returns to Cuba after substation failure left millions in the dark

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The nation’s Electrical Union, which regulates the power sector, reported that 42% of the national energy system would be off. Cuba suffered three disconnections of its national energy system at the end of last year in October, November and December, leaving the island nation in the dark during a serious economic crisis. (AP video shot by Ariel Fernández and Milexsy Durán)

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A street vendor walks along the Malecon looking for customers during a general blackout in Havana, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

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Residents spend time at sunset at the Malecon during a general blackout in Havana, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

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Residents drive their vehicles along the Malecon during a general blackout in Havana, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

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A classic American car with tourists is driven at sunset along the Malecon during a general blackout in Havana, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

HAVANA (AP) — Electricity service in Cuba was gradually restored Sunday, more than 36 hours after a substation failure left the entire island in the dark.

Union Electrica, the state agency responsible for the electric grid, reported that most of the capital, Havana, and eastern parts of the country had power. It expected service to return to western areas on Sunday, too.

The massive blackout that began Friday night was the fourth in the last six months as a severe economic crisis plagues the Caribbean country. The Ministry of Energy and Mines attributed it to a failure at a substation in the suburbs of Havana.

The latest power outage affected phone, internet and water services. Many families also could not cook because they use electric equipment to prepare their meals.

Cuba suffered similar blackouts in October, November and December. The latest was the first of 2025 but in mid-February authorities suspended classes and work activities for two days due to a shortage of electricity generation that exceeded 50% in the country.

The outages come as Cubans are experiencing a severe economic crisis that analysts have blamed on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a program of domestic measures that triggered inflation and, above all, the tightening of sanctions by the United States.

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Cuba suffers major power outage after substation failure leaves millions without electricity

A resident walks on a street during a general blackout in Havana, Cuba, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

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Experts have said the electricity disruptions are a result of fuel shortages at power plants and aging infrastructure. Most plants have been in operation for more than 30 years.

The government has contracted floating power generating plants from Turkey in recent months to meet peak demand, especially during the sweltering tropical summer. The government has also promised that dozens of solar power parks would begin operating in 2025.