Millions of people in Cuba were left without electricity for a second day in a row yesterday as its power grid is outdated and frequently breaks down, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
Around 970 megawatts have been restored across the country, which is less than a third of the usual peak electricity consumption, the state-owned electricity supplier UNE said.
The power outage was caused by a failure at a substation on Friday evening. It is the fourth nationwide power outage in five months on the island, which has about 10 million inhabitants.
People are charging their mobile phones in the streets if they can find an electrical outlet, and are looking for ice to keep food from spoiling, the news portal "Catorce e Medio" reports.
Power outages are a part of everyday life, as much of the island's aging infrastructure is in poor condition. As a result, power plants often break down and need to be repaired quickly.
The government blames the crisis on the 60-year-old US trade embargo, which has hampered oil supplies from abroad.