The Telecommunications Company of Cuba, S.A. (ETECSA), announced on Wednesday that the country's mobile phone services have suffered severe disruptions due to the collapse of the National Electrical System (SEN), which occurred shortly after 2 a.m. local time. According to ETECSA, by 1 p.m., mobile service interruptions affected 53% of the nation.
The most impacted provinces are Camagüey, with a 63% disruption, and Havana, where 60% of services are down. The state-run communications monopoly stated that as electricity is gradually restored, mobile services will become more available. However, ETECSA did not provide further details regarding the situation in other provinces.
This extensive blackout has also led to a widespread internet outage across Cuba. The collapse of the national electrical grid has created a domino effect, severely impacting other essential services crucial for the population.
The power outage has directly hindered the pumping and distribution of potable water, leaving thousands of households without access to this vital resource, which has already been deteriorating in recent months. Additionally, the supply of gas, essential for cooking, faces disruptions due to the lack of electricity in processing and distribution plants.
Moreover, internet connectivity and mobile phone services have been interrupted, complicating communication and access to information. This multidimensional crisis highlights the fragility of the country's basic infrastructure, exacerbating the daily struggles faced by Cubans.
The Third SEN Collapse
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) reported on social media on Wednesday morning that the progressive restoration of the National Electrical System had begun through the "creation of islands," a strategy previously used during the two prior collapses.
In a post on the MINEM's social media account, Vicente de la O Levy explained that conditions are more favorable than during the last outage and noted that the implementation of procedures is not hindered by any hurricane. "Distributed generation islands are already operational throughout the country. Electrical microsystems for water pumping are prioritized. Several units are ready to start up. A significant percentage of the SEN is expected to be recovered today," the post read.
Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso confirmed the information on Facebook, stating that electricity coverage is expected to expand throughout the day, although he warned that it will be "a slow process." "It is anticipated that the fundamental restoration will be completed by tomorrow," Alonso concluded, suggesting that many Cubans might endure more than 24 hours without power.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the mobile phone service disruption in Cuba?
The disruption was caused by the collapse of the National Electrical System, which led to widespread power outages affecting mobile phone services.
Which Cuban provinces were most affected by the power outage?
Camagüey and Havana were the most affected provinces, with mobile service disruptions of 63% and 60%, respectively.
How does the power outage affect other essential services in Cuba?
The power outage interrupts the pumping and distribution of water, affects the supply of gas needed for cooking, and disrupts internet and mobile phone services.