Cuba: Amid prolonged blackouts, RSF deploys emergency support to ensure power and connectivity for the independent press

On 18 September, Cuba's power grid suffered another nationwide collapse after a failure in high-voltage transmission lines in the central part of the country, leaving millions of people without electricity. The incident was the latest in a series of major outages that have become increasingly frequent since 2021. These problems have been further exacerbated by restrictions on oil supplies since January 2026. In recent weeks, some areas of Havana have experienced blackouts lasting more than 30 hours, while the situation has been even more critical in several provinces. "Everything becomes very difficult when there is no electricity. Life changes completely, because routines and working hours are disrupted," a Cuban independent journalist, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, told RSF.

The lack of electricity makes it difficult to recharge phones, computers, cameras and other essential reporting equipment. It also disrupts internet access, communications with sources, and the transmission of information. To mitigate these consequences, RSF is providing journalists on the island with alternative power and connectivity solutions, although further details about the specific support cannot be disclosed for security reasons. "This support allows me to make sure I can finish my work," said another beneficiary.

The energy crisis is aggravating the highly tense news environment in Cuba. The state maintains tight control over the media landscape and considers the power shortages a highly sensitive topic. In March, three freelance journalists - Yoani Sánchez, Camila Acosta and Mabel Páez - reported they were placed under police surveillance and subjected to a form of de facto house arrest after covering protests linked to the energy crisis. Cuba 160th out of 180 countries in the 2026 RSF World Press Freedom Index.