Cuba began restoring power to parts of its national grid on Friday evening following a countrywide blackout caused by the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the island's largest and most efficient. Though small pockets of Havana, including major hospitals, saw electricity return by nightfall, the vast majority of the country’s 10 million residents remained in darkness.

The national grid operator, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), announced plans to restart at least five oil-fired power plants overnight, hoping to restore electricity to larger areas of the island. Despite these efforts, life on the island came to a standstill as schools, non-essential industries, and cultural activities were shut down earlier in the day in an attempt to conserve energy.

The blackout follows weeks of severe power shortages, leaving many Cubans enduring worsening living conditions marked by food, water, and medicine shortages. Tourists also expressed frustration with the deteriorating situation. Brazilian tourist Carlos Roberto Julio shared his experience, saying, "We went to a restaurant and they had no food because there was no power. Now we are also without internet. In two days, we have already had several problems."

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero attributed the power crisis to fuel shortages, aging infrastructure, and increased energy demand. He explained that recent strong winds, remnants of Hurricane Milton, further hindered fuel delivery from ships offshore to power plants. Cuba’s government also pointed to the longstanding U.S. trade embargo and sanctions as factors in the crisis, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel blaming “the intensification of the economic war” for the nation's energy woes.

However, U.S. officials pushed back, with a State Department spokesperson denying any responsibility for the blackout. They stated that Washington was closely monitoring the potential humanitarian impact, though Cuba had not requested any assistance.

Cuba's largest oil supplier, Venezuela, has significantly reduced its fuel shipments this year, adding to the crisis. Meanwhile, support from allies like Russia and Mexico has also dwindled, forcing Cuba to purchase fuel at inflated prices from the global market, a challenge for the near-bankrupt government.

As night fell on Friday, much of Havana remained in darkness, with residents trying to find solace in simple pastimes. "In the times we're living in, the most logical entertainment is dominoes," said Carlos Manuel Pedre, who played the game with friends during the blackout. "We're in total crisis."

Efforts to fully restore power across the island remain ongoing, with the Cuban people facing continued uncertainty amid the deepening energy crisis.