On Monday morning, residents of Granma province woke up to find themselves without electricity. An automatic disconnection occurred on the 220 kV transmission line linking Granma to the rest of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN), causing the blackout. The Granma Electric Company conveyed this information through the state-run CNC TV Granma, although the reasons behind the malfunction remain unclear.
The company explained in its announcement, "A trip occurred on the 220 kV line that supplies the province, and the causes are still unknown."
In the realm of electricity, a "trip" refers to the automatic shutdown initiated by protection systems in response to voltage, frequency anomalies, or short circuits. When this happens to Granma's main supply line, the province becomes completely isolated from the national system.
Specialists from the Provincial Load Dispatch Office were quickly deployed to implement restoration protocols. The company expressed optimism, stating, "It is expected that the electric service in the area will be restored in the coming hours," and apologized for the inconvenience caused to the populace.
Energy Crisis Intensifies in Cuba
This power outage exacerbates an already dire energy situation in Cuba. On Monday, the Electric Union (UNE) predicted the availability of only 1,030 MW against a peak demand of 2,900 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,870 MW, leaving more than 64% of the country's peak demand unmet. By six in the morning, 1,176 MW were already affected nationwide.
Another incident was reported on Sunday on the Cueto–Renté line, which disconnected Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo from the SEN.
Repeated Power Failures Plague Granma
Monday's incident is not an isolated event. Granma has experienced at least four total or partial disconnections related to faults on 220 kV lines so far in 2026. The most recent prior to this occurred on October 10, when a massive blackout hit eastern Cuba, leaving Las Tunas, Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo without power for several hours, impacting approximately 3.4 million people.
This year alone, the SEN has completely collapsed at least eight times, with the latest total blackout recorded on September 18, taking about 32 hours to recover. The repercussions of the crisis extend beyond darkness: the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources acknowledged that around 2.5 million Cubans are experiencing water supply issues because electric outages prevent the operation of pumping systems.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outages
What caused the recent blackout in Granma?
The blackout in Granma was caused by an automatic disconnection on the 220 kV transmission line connecting the province to the National Electric System. The specific causes of this disconnection are still unknown.
How does a "trip" affect electricity supply?
A "trip" is an automatic shutdown initiated by protection systems in response to anomalies like voltage or frequency issues. It can isolate an area from the main power grid, causing blackouts.
What impact has the energy crisis had on Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis has led to significant power shortages, affecting more than 64% of peak demand. It has also disrupted water supply for millions, as electric outages halt the operation of pumping systems.