The
national power grid failed completely on September 18, 2026, starting with
breakdowns in central Cuba's high-voltage lines possibly worsened by unstable
weather. This is the seventh major nationwide blackout this year, tied to aging
plants, fuel shortages, and maintenance woes.
Power trickled back to some Havana hospitals by evening, but recovery timelines stay uncertain as crews race to reconnect the strained system. Observers debate U.S. sanctions versus long-term infrastructure decay as key factors.