# Cuba Gradually Restores Power Following Third Nationwide Blackout in 10 Days *Cubans are gradually regaining power after a nationwide blackout, the third in less than 10 days, exacerbating an ongoing energy crisis.* July 15, 2026 ยท World Cubans were gradually getting power back on Wednesday, after the third nationwide power outage in less than 10 days, the national electricity company said. The blackout, which left the country's 9.6 million inhabitants without power, was caused by a problem with a generating unit at a thermoelectric plant, resulting in a 'sudden frequency change.' The national power grid went offline at about 11:05 am (1505 GMT) on Tuesday. Cubans began getting power back late Tuesday, but by 4:00 am (0800 GMT) on Wednesday, only 24 percent of households in Havana had electricity, according to the state-run UNE electricity company. 'Restoration is being carried out gradually, as permitted by the National Electric System,' UNE said on Telegram. The blackout was the third complete outage since early July and the fifth since the start of 2026. The energy crisis has been exacerbated by fuel shortages, largely due to the US cutting off oil supplies in January. Maria Caridad Alvarez, a 62-year-old housewife, expressed her frustration to AFP, saying, 'I have no words. When I woke up this morning, the power was back and I cooked some beans. Now, I went out and it's off again. It feels like there is no solution.' The energy crisis 'is killing people's enthusiasm for life,' she added. Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy attributed the crisis to the state of the electrical system and the decisions of the United States. 'This situation is mainly due to the state of our electrical system, exacerbated by the decisions of the United States,' he said at a press conference. 'We are practically living through a war,' he added, noting the 'total absence of fuel' and the government's inability to obtain spare parts for its plants. ## Sources - BSS --- Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/world/cuba-power-blackout-energy-crisis