Cuba energy grid suffers nationwide collapse

Peoples sit on the Malecón seawall in Havana, Cuba, Monday, July 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

HAVANA, Cuba - Cuba’s energy grid suffered a total collapse on Friday, the energy ministry said in a post to social media, causing a nationwide blackout on the island of about 9 million people.

Cuba’s aging power generation system has been under severe strain from fuel shortages, deteriorating infrastructure and a U.S.-imposed oil blockade.

Even when the national grid is online, the island frequently experiences rolling blackouts that leave millions without power.

Dave Sherwood, Reuters