# Electrical infrastructure challenges in Cuba and Venezuela > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/electrical-infrastructure-challenges-in-cuba-and-venezuela > Updated: 2026-08-21T00:10:10.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. Electrical infrastructure in Cuba and Venezuela has faced significant challenges involving both service distribution and criminal activity. In Venezuela, authorities in the Mara municipality distributed 20 new transformers to 464 families as part of the ‘Plan Cayapa Eléctrico’ to optimize services across several parishes. In Cuba, infrastructure has been compromised by the theft of dielectric oil. In Mayarí, such theft caused irreparable damage to a distribution transformer, leaving approximately 20,000 people without electricity. While suspects were detained, recovery efforts were hindered by a lack of replacement units in the Holguín province. Subsequently, authorities in Granma expanded their crackdown on crimes against the national power system, specifically targeting the theft of dielectric oil and components from photovoltaic sites, noting the potential involvement of sector workers. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Ecuador advances energy projects including Azuay wind farm Ecuador launches bidding for the 150 MW El Pimo wind project in Azuay while managing hydroelectric readiness for the dry season and overseeing strategic oil production in Orellana. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puerto-plata-residents-report-high-electricity-bills-and-outages ### 2026-08-11: Electrical infrastructure updates in Mara and Mayarí Electrical infrastructure issues impact Venezuela and Cuba: Mara municipality receives new transformers for 464 families, while oil theft in Mayarí leaves over 20,000 people without power. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/electrical-infrastructure-updates-in-mara-and-mayar --- Cite as: Electrical infrastructure challenges in Cuba and Venezuela. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/electrical-infrastructure-challenges-in-cuba-and-venezuela