# Cuba power, healthcare, and economic crisis deepens

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-antonio-guiteras-power-plant-issues
> Updated: 2026-08-30T18:49:29.000Z. Sources: 426. Developments: 45.

The electricity shortfall that began with the July 2024 shutdown of Unit 1 at the Antonio Guiteras plant has continued to worsen. By mid‑July 2026, the state utility UNE reported a generation deficit of about 2,260 MW during peak demand. The crisis intensified through July, with a record 2,341 MW shortfall recorded on 8 July. A partial failure on 1 August left seven provinces, including Havana, without electricity, followed by a total grid collapse on 2 August—the sixth nationwide blackout of the year. While the government blames U.S. sanctions and exhausted fuel shipments, Washington cites mismanagement. By early August, the crisis reached new extremes with a record 2,411 MW shortage on August 5. By mid-August, the crisis expanded to include shortages of food, fuel, and medicine. In Santiago de Cuba, persistent blackouts have fueled a local ice trade as residents struggle to preserve food. Missionary Adam Czerwiński reported that daily life has become a “struggle for survival,” noting that food spoilage is rapid due to high temperatures and fuel shortages have paralyzed transportation. To assist, the San Antonio María Claret parish launched the ‘Kitchen for the Needy’ project with support from Caritas Polska. On 27 August, a major electrical disruption caused by high-voltage transmission line oscillation left approximately 3.4 million people in eastern provinces, from Holguín to Guantánamo, without power. This marked the seventh major disconnection of the National Electric System in 2026. By the end of August, the crisis evolved into a multifaceted shortage of potable water, cooking gas, and medicine. Authorities admitted the country cannot import enough medicine to meet demand, citing energy blockades and U.S. executive orders. In rural areas like Bermejal, residents have engaged in protests to demand the restoration of water and electricity services.

## Claims

- The outage left the entire island, including Havana, in darkness, affecting about 10 million people. (disputed by 30 sources)
- The blackout was the sixth total nationwide outage in Cuba in 2026. (disputed by 22 sources)
- Restoration efforts have re‑energised about 14 % of Havana’s customers (roughly 87 000 households). (disputed by 13 sources)
- Restoration efforts have re‑energised about 199 000 customers (approximately 23 % of Havana) and 18 substations and 66 distribution circuits. (disputed by 12 sources)
- Cuba has experienced seven complete blackouts in 2026. (disputed by 7 sources)
- The partial blackout affected 3.4 million people. (disputed by 4 sources)
- A partial grid failure on 1 August 2026 left seven provinces without power, affecting about 4.5 million people. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The shortage of diesel fuel has been exacerbated by a U.S. oil embargo imposed in January 2024. (corroborated by 29 sources)
- State utility UNE reported a total disconnection of the national electricity system. (corroborated by 29 sources)
- Cuban authorities activated emergency protocols to prioritize electricity for hospitals, water distribution and other essential services. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- Cuba authorized its first foreign‑backed fuel‑import venture, allowing nearly 200 Cuban companies to participate in wholesale fuel distribution. (corroborated by 25 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-30: Cuba faces critical shortages of water, food, and medicine

Cuba faces escalating shortages of water, electricity, food, and medicine, leading to increased social unrest and protests across the island.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-critical-shortages-of-water-food-and-medicine

### 2026-08-27: Cuba eastern provinces face major blackout due to grid oscillation

A transmission line oscillation in Cuba has caused a major blackout in eastern provinces, affecting 3.4 million people and disabling several thermoelectric plants amid a deepening energy crisis.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-eastern-provinces-disconnected-from-power-grid-after-transmission-oscillation

### 2026-08-26: Solar energy adoption rises in Cuba amid energy crisis

Amidst Cuba's energy crisis, private citizens are installing solar panels to combat blackouts, while Etecsa implements solar energy in Holguín to stabilize telecommunications services.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/solar-energy-adoption-rises-in-cuba-amid-energy-crisis

### 2026-08-22: Cuba faces unrest and vandalism amid severe power outages

Ongoing power outages and utility shortages in Cuba have sparked protests in Havana and Jaimanitas, alongside reports of vandalism against national monuments and verbal attacks on electric workers.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-utility-worker-abuse-and-political-division

### 2026-08-19: Cuba faces severe economic crisis and resource shortages

Cuba faces a severe economic crisis with critical shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Missionary Adam Czerwiński and Caritas Polska are providing aid through parish kitchens in Santiago de Cuba.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-severe-economic-crisis-and-resource-shortages

### 2026-08-19: Cuba faces historic economic crisis and hyperinflation

Cuba is enduring a severe economic crisis marked by hyperinflation, food shortages, and frequent power outages, leaving many residents in Havana struggling to afford basic necessities.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-historic-economic-crisis-and-hyperinflation

### 2026-08-15: Santiago de Cuba faces energy crisis and economic frustrations

Persistent blackouts in Santiago de Cuba have fueled a surge in local ice sales, while residents criticize state media for portraying commercial fairs as successful despite high prices and payment difficulties.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-de-cuba-faces-energy-crisis-and-economic-frustrations

### 2026-08-14: Cuba faces severe energy crisis and blackouts amid political celebrations

Cuba faces a deepening energy crisis with massive blackouts forecasted to affect up to 67% of the country, occurring alongside political celebrations for Fidel Castro's centennial and increased Chinese solaraid

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-holds-fidel-castro-tributes-amid-severe-power-outages

### 2026-08-11: Cuba expands solar energy capacity amid severe power crisis

Cuba is expanding its solar energy capacity through major donations from China and Argentina to mitigate severe electricity shortages and frequent blackouts caused by fuel scarcity.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-expands-solar-energy-capacity-with-chinese-assistance

### 2026-08-11: Cuba faces severe fuel shortages and rising black market prices

Cuba faces severe fuel shortages due to U.S. sanctions and lost supplies from Venezuela, leading to a black market for American fuel used by private businesses and households.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-severe-fuel-shortages-and-rising-black-market-prices

### 2026-08-10: Cuba healthcare crisis worsens amid US fuel blockade

A US-led fuel blockade is causing a healthcare crisis in Cuba, leading to severe medical shortages and rising mortality rates for newborns at specialized pediatric hospitals.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-healthcare-crisis-worsens-amid-us-fuel-blockade

### 2026-08-09: Cuba implements renewable energy incentives amid power crisis

Cuba has introduced new tax incentives and customs exemptions for renewable energy to combat a severe electricity crisis marked by massive outages and a significant gap between supply and demand.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-implements-renewable-energy-incentives-amid-power-crisis

### 2026-08-07: Cuba faces escalating economic, energy, and food crises

Cuba is grappling with a severe crisis involving 18.27% inflation, frequent long-term power outages, and food shortages, while introducing tax incentives to promote renewable energy investments.

41 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-dayslong-blackouts-as-us-oil-sanctions-cut-power-supply

### 2026-08-05: Cuba's power grid hits record blackouts as energy blockade deepens

Cuba faces record blackouts with a 2,411 MW deficit, six nationwide outages this year, and only 970 MW generation versus ~3,000 MW demand. Officials blame the U.S. blockade; solar charging stations and water‑s供

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-restores-nationwide-power-grid-after-36hour-blackout

### 2026-08-03: Cuba suffers sixth nationwide blackout of 2026

Cuba’s grid collapsed on 2 Aug 2026, a sixth nationwide blackout this year, affecting ~10 million people. Aging plants, fuel shortages and a U.S. oil embargo are blamed; restoration has reached 14‑23 % of Hanoi

104 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-national-power-grid-collapses-triggering-nationwide-blackout

### 2026-08-02: Cuba's National Grid Faces 2,195 MW Shortfall After Line Fault

A fault on 220 kV lines in Cuba caused a partial grid outage, with a projected 2,195 MW shortfall at peak demand on Sunday.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-national-grid-faces-2195-mw-shortfall-after-line-fault

### 2026-07-31: Cuba endures repeated nationwide blackouts amid deepening energy crisis

Cuba faced its sixth nationwide blackout in 2026, with a partial failure affecting 4.5 million people and record generation deficits, while aging plants and a U.S. fuel blockade exacerbate the crisis.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-restores-electricity-to-havana-after-nationwide-grid-collapse

### 2026-07-28: Cuban Prime Minister Marrero Cruz Begins Crucial Phase of Economic Reform Amid Energy Crisis

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz says 110 of 121 reforms are approved as Cuba battles a severe energy crisis, record blackouts and U.S. sanctions.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-energy-crisis-deepens-health-crisis-as-blackouts-persist-under-us-sanctions

### 2026-07-26: Cuba's Power Grid Blackout after Major Plant Failure

Cuba's power grid faces a massive blackout after the Antonio Guiteras plant fails, leaving most of the island without electricity and prompting public sarcasm and concerns over U.S. sanctions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-antonio-guiteras-power-plant-offline-deepening-nationwide-blackouts

### 2026-07-24: Cuba Faces Widespread Power Outages After Truck Crash and Storm Damage

A truck crash in Cienfuegos knocked out power to over 9,000 customers, while storm damage in Sancti Spíritus left numerous circuits and transformers offline, prompting extensive restoration work across Cuba.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-widespread-power-outages-after-truck-crash-and-storm-damage

### 2026-07-21: Cuba confronts illegal electricity sales and fuel scams amid energy shortages

Cuba faces illegal electricity sales and online fuel scams as energy shortages grip the island, prompting investigations and warnings from utility officials and Cuballama.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-confronts-illegal-electricity-sales-and-fuel-scams-amid-energy-shortages

### 2026-07-19: Cuba power grid to lose 64% of supply amid deepening energy crisis

Cuban authorities will cut power to 64% of the island on July 19, 2026, as the nation grapples with a deepening energy crisis, frequent grid failures and aging thermal plants.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-power-grid-to-lose-64-of-supply-amid-deepening-energy-crisis

### 2026-07-18: Cuban Communities Face Solar Equipment Theft and Funding Challenges

A Havana parish reports stolen solar lamps amid ongoing thefts, while residents in Sancti Spíritus raise funds to install solar panels for a state telecom radio base, restoring internet service.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuban-communities-face-solar-equipment-theft-and-funding-challenges

### 2026-07-18: Cuba Overhauls Payment System, Removes Cash Caps and Issues High‑Denomination Banknotes

Cuba’s Central Bank removed the 5,000 CUP cash cap, introduced 2,000 CUP and 5,000 CUP notes, raised electronic limits and cut merchant fees to boost digital payments and ease cash shortages.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-central-bank-introduces-new-highdenomination-notes-and-digital-payment-incentives

### 2026-07-18: Cuba Endures Massive Power Outages and Water Shortages as Protests Escalate

Cuba faces a severe electricity deficit affecting 9.6 million people, water shortages, and rising protests across Havana as the government grapples with aging infrastructure and fuel shortages.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-sees-growing-protests-over-blackouts-and-energy-crisis

### 2026-07-15: Cuba Endures Nationwide Blackouts as Fuel Shortages and U.S. Sanctions Deepen Crisis

Cuba faces three nationwide blackouts in ten days as fuel shortages and U.S. sanctions cripple its power grid, leaving millions without electricity and sparking protests.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-experiences-third-nationwide-blackout-as-fuel-shortages-persist

### 2026-07-13: Cuba suffers third nationwide blackout as power grid collapses

Cuba’s grid collapsed for the third time in under 10 days, cutting power to ~10 million people; a sudden unit shutdown, fuel shortages from the US embargo and aging plants are blamed, while authorities restore

80 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-widespread-power-outages-as-grid-collapses-amid-energy-crisis

### 2026-07-13: Cuba faces cash shortages that limit electronic payments

Cuba's Bandex bank provides solvency documents, but many citizens face cash shortages as businesses reject electronic transfers, hampered by limits, outages, and payment platform issues.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-cash-shortages-that-limit-electronic-payments

### 2026-07-10: Cuba's electric tricycles replace cars amid fuel shortages and blackouts

Electric tricycles, many solar‑powered, have supplanted cars in Cuba as fuel shortages and blackouts worsen, becoming vital transport for thousands.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-electric-tricycles-replace-cars-amid-fuel-shortages-and-blackouts

### 2026-07-10: Cuba suffers second nationwide blackout in a week amid fuel shortages

Cuba endured a second total blackout in a week on 10 July 2026, affecting its 9.6 million residents. A failed 220 kV line and U.S. fuel blockade triggered the collapse; restoration efforts are underway.

67 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-endures-second-nationwide-blackout-as-us-fuel-sanctions-deepen-shortage

### 2026-07-08: Cuba faces second island‑wide blackout in a week as US fuel blockade deepens crisis

Cuba suffered a second total blackout in a week on July 10, 2026 as U.S. fuel sanctions worsen an aging grid, prompting emergency recovery and sparking public hardship and protests.

58 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-endures-second-nationwide-blackout-in-a-week-amid-deepening-energy-crisis

### 2026-07-06: Cuba's National Power Grid Collapses Amid Fuel Shortage and US Sanctions

Cuba suffered its third nationwide blackout in six months, affecting 9.6 million people. The outage, blamed on aging plants, fuel shortages and U.S. sanctions, sparked emergency protocols and gradual grid‑resta

82 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-national-grid-failure-leaves-10-million-without-power

### 2026-07-03: Cuba faces record nationwide blackouts as power grid collapses

Cuba’s grid collapsed, cutting power to up to 72 % of the island due to generation deficits, plant outages and fuel shortages, sparking protests and blaming U.S. sanctions.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguays-ute-sets-winter-electricity-demand-record-of-2362-mw

### 2026-06-30: Cuba sees record power outages and surge in street protests

Cuba’s June energy crisis sparked record blackouts and 107 street protests, as a 2,100 MW deficit left most of the country without power for days, prompting arrests and planned July repairs.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-endures-record-power-shortfalls-as-outages-reach-over-2200-mw

### 2026-06-28: Cuba faces surge in solar panel thefts, disrupting TV and cellular services

Cuban authorities report rising solar‑panel thefts in Holguín and Ciego de Ávila, disrupting TV and mobile services; the government labels the crimes sabotage and imposes harsh penalties.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-surge-in-solar-panel-thefts-disrupting-tv-and-cellular-services

### 2026-06-27: Cuba launches new telenovela 'Entre Aguas' as country faces record electricity shortages

Cuba's state TV will debut the telenovela 'Entre Aguas' on July 1, despite a record electricity deficit and widespread outages that have sparked public sarcasm and protests.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-launches-new-telenovela-entre-aguas-as-country-faces-record-electricity-shortages

### 2026-06-17: Cuba's Antonio Guiteras Power Plant Offline for Five Days for Weld Repairs

Cuba's largest thermal plant, Antonio Guiteras, will be offline for at least five days starting June 17 while workers repair over 100 welds after a failure damaged four tubes, deepening the nation's power‑suff

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-antonio-guiteras-power-plant-offline-for-five-days-for-weld-repairs

### 2026-06-17: Cuba's Power Crisis Disrupts Electricity Supply and Telecom Services

Cuba faces a major electricity deficit, cutting power for over 60 % of the nation and crippling telecom services, with ETECSA unable to run beyond 24 hours without grid power despite limited solar backups.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-power-crisis-disrupts-electricity-supply-and-telecom-services

### 2026-06-12: Cuba's Antonio Guiteras Power Plant Restores Service to National Grid

Cuba’s Antonio Guiteras thermal plant was re‑connected to the national grid, targeting 200 MW output, as Guantánamo province stays largely without power after a transmission fault.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-antonio-guiteras-plant-restored-ending-guantnamo-power-outage

### 2026-06-07: Cuba faces major electricity deficit as 11 thermal plants go offline

Cuba's power grid faces a 66% generation shortfall as 11 of 16 thermal plants are offline, leaving a 2,020 MW deficit and prompting prolonged blackouts, water shortages and citizen protests.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-major-electricity-deficit-as-11-power-plants-go-offline

### 2026-06-06: Cuba's Power Grid Faces Near 2,000 MW Deficit Amid Ongoing Outages

Cuba's electricity grid faces a near‑2,000 MW shortfall at peak demand, with limited thermal capacity and solar output unable to close the gap.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-electricity-grid-faces-1990-mw-deficit-as-mexico-plans-maintenance-outage-in-monterrey

### 2026-06-05: Cuba faces 1,990 MW power shortfall after two thermal plants go offline

Cuba's electricity grid faces a 1,990 MW shortfall after the Antonio Guiteras and Máximo Gómez plants go offline, straining supply amid peak demand.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-1990-mw-power-shortfall-after-two-thermal-plants-go-offline

### 2026-06-05: Cuba's Antonio Guiteras power plant awaits cooling after boiler fault

Cuba's Antonio Guiteras power plant is offline after a boiler fault; a 30‑hour cooling period precedes repairs that include weld replacements and part acquisitions complicated by the U.S. embargo.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-antonio-guiteras-power-plant-awaits-cooling-after-boiler-fault

### 2026-05-30: Cuba faces over 2,000 MW electricity deficit after Guiteras plant outage

Cuba’s grid will face a >2,000 MW deficit at peak demand on Saturday after the Antonio Guiteras plant shuts down, with limited thermal capacity and solar output unable to fully compensate.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-over-2000-mw-electricity-deficit-after-guiteras-plant-outage

### 2026-05-14: Cuba's Antonio Guiteras power plant shut for boiler repairs

Cuba's Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant was taken offline early Thursday for boiler tube repairs in its economizer and reheater.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-antonio-guiteras-power-plant-shut-for-boiler-repairs

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