Cuba’s national electric grid, known as the National Electric System (SEN), suffered a complete failure on Monday, March 16, 2026, plunging the entire country into a nationwide blackout that has left roughly 11 million people without power, according to state electric authorities and multiple news reports.

The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) confirmed the total disconnection in a Facebook statement, saying restoration protocols had begun but offering no timeline for full recovery. The Ministry of Energy and Mines said it was investigating the causes of the collapse without immediately providing details.

The grid failure followed severe power shortages on Sunday, March 15, when available generation fell far below demand. Multiple breakdowns at key power plants, including Mariel, Santa Cruz, Felton, and Antonio Maceo facilities, contributed to the crisis, and maintenance issues left additional capacity offline, creating a significant deficit in available electricity. Despite contributions from solar installations, officials said total generation could not meet peak demand.

This blackout is the latest in a series of widespread outages that have afflicted Cuba’s aging electrical infrastructure since 2024, with major island‑wide outages occurring in October 2024 and other significant disruptions earlier this month. Persistent fuel shortages and frequent plant breakdowns have made blackouts a regular part of daily life, with many residents reporting extended hours without power.

The collapse has exacerbated Cuba’s ongoing energy and economic crisis, disrupting hospitals, transportation, and basic services while fueling public discontent. Protests over power cuts and related shortages have erupted in several cities, including a demonstration in Morón that led to attacks on a local Communist Party building and multiple arrests.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel has attributed the energy shortfalls to a combination of internal infrastructure issues and external pressures, including a U.S.‑imposed oil embargo that has sharply reduced fuel shipments from Venezuela, a key supplier. Reuters reported that the lack of imports and aging facilities has strained the grid for months, and talks with U.S. officials have been held in an effort to address the crisis.

As restoration efforts continue, authorities have not provided a clear timeline for when power will be fully restored. The incident highlights the deepening challenges facing Cuba’s power sector amid significant fuel constraints, deteriorating infrastructure, and mounting public frustration.