Cuba third nationwide blackout in two weeks

Cuba suffered another nationwide blackout of its National Electric System (SEN) on July 14, 2026, the third such incident in two weeks. The blackout was triggered by a problem with a generating unit in Cuba — Holguín Province, causing a sudden frequency change. Fuel shortages, exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba, have led to repeated power outages. The blackouts have disrupted daily life, including transportation, healthcare, water supply, and communications. Authorities have activated restoration protocols, establishing micro-islands to prioritize power for hospitals and food processing plants. Partial power was restored in some areas, including parts of Cuba — Havana, Guantánamo, Cienfuegos, and Matanzas. The ongoing crisis has led to public adaptation, with many families installing solar backup systems.