Cuba has mostly restored electricity following a significant blackout that affected over 10 million people. The outage was linked to an issue at a Havana substation and highlighted vulnerabilities in the country’s aging power grid. Travelers to Cuba should be prepared for ongoing power shortages, as many resorts depend on generators.
According to recent reports from Reuters, electricity in Cuba has largely been restored, with significant reconnections in Havana by Sunday night. The blackout that began on Friday night impacted the entirety of the island, causing businesses and restaurants to close in the capital. The crisis originated from a fault in a transmission line at a Havana substation.
Over 10 million residents faced power outages throughout the weekend, highlighting the challenges presented by Cuba’s aging power infrastructure. This infrastructure primarily relies on oil-fired generation, which has faced increased difficulties due to a decline in oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico last year.
Travelers visiting Cuba should take note of the ongoing power shortages as warned in the Government of Canada’s travel advisory. While many resorts are equipped with generators for temporary outages, there is a possibility that they may not provide prolonged service in the event of extended blackout periods.
In summary, Cuba has made progress in restoring electricity after a widespread blackout affected the island, particularly in Havana. The situation underscores the vulnerabilities of Cuba’s aging power grid, compounded by reduced oil imports. For prospective visitors, awareness of power shortages and reliance on generators at resorts is crucial as they plan their travels.
Original Source: ca.travelpulse.com