Cuba: Power outages ongoing nationwide as of March 17 due to infrastructure problems

Power outages are ongoing nationwide as of March 17. The blackout affects most of Cuba, including Havana, and is reportedly due to maintenance on the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant and other infrastructure problems, such as fuel shortages. Officials did not provide an estimate of when services would be restored.

Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible during the outages; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are likely during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. Power outages could also result in temporarily unavailable essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages. Business disruptions are likely.

Spontaneous protests against perceived government mismanagement are possible nationwide. Localized transit disruptions and clashes between police and protesters are possible.