Until Further Notice: Crisis in Cuba Without Internet or Electricity Forces Consulate to Change Rules

• Cuba consulate changes service without appointments in the middle of crisis
• Cuba faces massive blackouts
• Crisis disrupts basic services

The structural crisis affecting Cuba continues to escalate and is now impacting even foreign diplomatic missions, highlighting the growing Cuba power outage crisis.

Amid prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and telecommunications failures, the Russian Consulate General in Havana announced an unexpected operational change that reflects the seriousness of the situation on the island.

• Why it matters: The combination of energy collapse, international restrictions, and the deterioration of basic services is affecting not only the population but also key institutions, including embassies and consulates.

Energy crisis in Cuba reaches critical and widespread levels

The electrical situation on the island continues to worsen.

This Wednesday, it is estimated that up to 63% of the country will be without power simultaneously during peak demand hours.

According to official data, generation capacity will barely reach 1,145 megawatts compared to demand of up to 3,000 MW, creating a massive energy deficit.

The real shortfall could reach 1,885 MW, forcing widespread outages to prevent uncontrolled system failures.

The problem is not new—but it is deeper than before.

Since mid-2024, Cuba has faced an energy crisis worsened by sanctions, fuel shortages, and the deterioration of its electrical infrastructure.

Currently, nine of the country’s 16 thermoelectric units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance, while others operate with limitations due to aging equipment.

Russian consulate changes operations due to internet and phone failures

The impact of this crisis has now reached diplomatic services.

Not even Russia, one of the Cuban government’s main allies, has been able to avoid the consequences.

The Russian consulate acknowledged direct disruptions to its operations due to technological issues and announced an immediate measure:

“Due to prolonged interruptions in internet and telephone services, starting March 25, the Consulate General will temporarily serve the public (until further notice) without prior appointments.”

The decision, which does not change service hours, highlights the level of disruption in basic services such as telecommunications—essential for consular operations.

Until recently, appointments were limited to specific days and times. Additionally, since March 2, the consulate had introduced new fees payable in U.S. dollars for various procedures, including passports, citizenship, and visas.

Cuba-Russia relationship continues despite internal crisis

Despite the difficult situation, Havana continues strengthening its relationship with Moscow.

In recent years, both countries have promoted joint projects in strategic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, remittances, and even automobile manufacturing.

However, these alliances have not been enough to stop internal deterioration.

The energy crisis remains one of the country’s main structural challenges.

New sanctions worsen fuel access

The international context also plays a key role.

Recent measures by the administration of President Donald Trump have tightened restrictions on Cuba’s access to fuel.

Among them is the exclusion of the island from benefits related to temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil.

This further limits the country’s ability to sustain its energy system.

Prolonged blackouts impact economy and social stability

The impact goes beyond technical issues.

Daily blackouts—lasting up to 15 hours in Havana and even longer in other regions—have further weakened the economy.

Since 2020, the country has experienced a contraction of more than 15%, while the energy crisis has become a recurring trigger for social protests, including recent demonstrations in several cities.

Additionally, diplomatic strain with regional countries—such as the closure of Costa Rica’s embassy in Havana—reflects growing isolation.

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What’s next: total uncertainty in services and energy

With no immediate solutions in sight, the outlook remains uncertain.

The electrical infrastructure requires massive investment—estimated at over $6.6 billion—to stabilize the system.

Meanwhile, decisions like that of the Russian consulate suggest a scenario in which even essential services will continue adapting “until further notice” to a crisis that shows no signs of easing, reinforcing the severity of the Cuba power outage crisis.

SOURCE: EFE / El Nuevo Herald