Blackout in Cuba

Cuba experienced a complete power outage on March 16, the Associated Press reports, citing local authorities.

The state-owned company Unión Eléctrica de Cuba said it had begun restoration procedures. The company noted that at the time of the shutdown there were no reports of interruptions in the operation of thermal power plants that were in operation.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines said it had launched an investigation.

The blackout occurred against the backdrop of worsening energy and economic crises. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on March 13 that the country has not received oil for more than three months and is running on solar energy, natural gas and thermal power plants.

More than a week ago, a massive power outage occurred in western Cuba, leaving millions of people without power.

• Cuba used to receive oil from Venezuela, but supplies stopped after the US detained Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in early January.
• Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on March 13 that Cuba was holding talks with the US government "to find, through dialogue, a possible solution to the bilateral differences that exist between our countries."
• The population of Cuba is about 11 million people.