Cuban authorities announced this Monday a new total failure of the national electric system, which has left the entire island territory without power.
"A total disconnection of the National Electro-energetic System has occurred. The causes are being investigated. We will continue to provide information on the matter," UNE stated through its social media accounts.
About two hours later, UNE detailed that one of the generating units at Energás Boca de Jaruco is already "in service." In parallel, the province of Villa Clara has started up the Hanabanilla hydroelectric plant, which is undergoing strict operational regulations.
The newspaper Venceremos stated, for its part, that microsystems are being prepared to supply electricity "gradually" to the vital centers of the city of Guantánamo.
Bernardo Espinosa, a journalist for Cuban public media and an expert on the electrical grid, confirmed on social media that UNE and the Provincial Defense Councils have activated protocols to "ensure energy to vital centers."
"At the same time, work is underway to initiate actions that will allow the gradual restoration of the system. Experts and specialists are investigating the causes of the disconnection. More information in broadcasts by Canal Caribe," the communicator added.
The country already suffered two power outages in March that plunged the entire island into darkness, after another complete system disconnection was recorded on September 10.
Cuban authorities attribute these problems to the energy blockade by the United States, which in January warned of imposing tariffs on any nation that sells or sends oil to the island.