Cuban Electricity Restoration Update: Ongoing Challenges for Travelers

Cuba has largely restored electricity, with most of Havana reconnected after a weekend blackout. This outage affected over 10 million people, triggered by a substation failure and exacerbated by an aging power grid. Travelers should be aware of ongoing shortages, though many resorts have backup generators that might not sustain service for long.

Recent reports from Reuters indicate that Cuba has largely restored its electricity supply, with significant reconnections made in Havana by Sunday night. A widespread blackout that began Friday night had left millions without power, affecting local businesses and eateries in the capital. The initial disruption was caused by a short circuit in a transmission line at a Havana substation.

Over 10 million residents endured the weekend without electricity, highlighting the challenges posed by Cuba’s aging power grid. This grid relies predominantly on oil-fired power plants, which have become increasingly unreliable following a decline in oil imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico over the past year.

Travelers to Cuba should be informed about the ongoing power shortages that the country faces, as stated in the Government of Canada’s travel advisory. The advisory mentions that while many resorts are equipped with generators to handle power outages, the ability to maintain a stable service may be limited during extended outages.

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In conclusion, Cuba has made significant progress in restoring electricity following a massive blackout that affected millions. However, visitors should remain cautious due to ongoing power shortages, which may disrupt services at local resorts. While generators are utilized to mitigate power loss, their efficiency may vary during prolonged outages. It is essential for those planning to travel to Cuba to stay informed about the local power situation.

Original Source: ca.travelpulse.com