Kehinde Fajobi
Cuba’s government announced late Thursday the closure of all non-essential state-run workplaces in an emergency measure to address a severe power crisis that has plunged millions into darkness for over 12 hours a day.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero cited a “perfect storm” of issues—deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and rising electricity demand—as the root causes of the unprecedented blackouts.
“The fuel shortage is the biggest factor,” he stated in a televised address, which faced technical difficulties and was delayed by several hours.
The situation has been exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which brought strong winds and heavy seas, disrupting the delivery of critical fuel supplies to power plants.
Currently, Cuba’s two largest power facilities, Antonio Guiteras and Felton, are operating below capacity and are scheduled for maintenance as part of a long-term plan to restore the country’s aging electrical infrastructure.
In a bid to manage the escalating crisis, the government will also impose higher electricity rates on the island’s fast-growing private sector, which has been identified as a significant consumer of power.
Despite these challenges, officials remain hopeful that power generation will improve in the coming days as fuel distribution resumes.
However, the ongoing electricity crisis has already made life unbearable for residents, who are grappling with crippling shortages of food, water, and medicine.
The dire conditions have sparked a record-breaking exodus from the island, as many seek better opportunities elsewhere.