Major blackout strikes provinces in energy crisis-hit Cuba | International

HAVANA, Sept 8, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A blackout struck a third of Cuba's provinces on Sunday, worsening conditions on the island where power outages are relentless and some towns receive only three hours of electricity daily. Cuba is suffering a severe energy crisis due to deteriorating infrastructure that includes eight obsolete thermoelectric plants and generators requiring the country's scarce fuel as well as an equally depleted power grid. The installation of 28 Chinese-backed solar parks out of 52 planned this year has failed to reduce outages. This summer, scheduled blackouts were extended even in Havana, reaching up to 10 hours daily in some areas. Utility provider Cuban Electricity Union said a 220 kV power line tripped in eastern Cuba, "causing...