Cuba’s national electricity grid collapsed on Sunday, August 3rd, 2026, plunging the island into a widespread blackout affecting about 10 million people. The state-run Electric Union (UNE) announced the collapse late Sunday but did not specify the cause, the full extent of the disruption, or when power would be restored.
Prior to the nationwide failure, Havana’s electricity company reported multiple outages caused by damaged transformers, circuit failures, and planned cuts due to insufficient generating capacity. Early on Sunday, dozens of unresolved complaints were recorded across municipalities including Guanabacoa, Habana del Este, La Lisa, and Marianao.
The collapse marks the third blackout in 10 days for Cuba’s deteriorating electricity system, which has been strained by shortages of fuel and replacement parts. The fuel shortage worsened after United States President Donald Trump imposed an oil blockade on Cuba following the US’s January 3rd abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Authorities have struggled to restore power as the country cannot generate enough electricity to meet demand even after attempts to reconnect the network. The Cuban president has accused the US of genocide and attempting a takeover, while Cuba’s healthcare system is reported to be collapsing under US pressure.
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