Cuba Assesses Electrical Grid Damage in Wake of Hurricane Melissa

Distribution Networks Bear the Brunt of the Impact

The Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, reported that the damage to the electrical system in the country's eastern provinces, following Hurricane Melissa, is primarily concentrated in distribution lines.

During a briefing before the National Defense Council, De la O Levy specified that a recovery plan is already underway, with work brigades deployed from Pinar del Río to Camagüey.

He highlighted that the mobilization of specialized personnel was immediate and emphasized the commitment of the eastern power workers themselves, many of whom were personally affected by the cyclone, and who have joined the rehabilitation efforts en masse.

The minister explained that the 2,415 emergency power generators now have fuel, and their availability at vital centers—including hospitals, pumping stations, and communication hubs—has increased to 84 percent.

He noted that the strategy of preemptively disconnecting power generation blocks ahead of the hurricane-force winds was successful, preventing more significant damage to the infrastructure in the western part of the country.

Recovery Efforts Focus on Systematic Restoration

De la O Levy detailed that Unit 3 of the Céspedes thermoelectric plant, which was out of service, has already been reincorporated into the system, which will alleviate strain on the western grid.

He specified that the immediate recovery plan focuses on three key actions: the inspection and “assessment” of power lines, addressing insulation compromised by moisture, and the progressive restoration of the power supply.

Of the 52 solar photovoltaic parks in the eastern region, only minor damage has been reported, such as the loss of four panels in Las Tunas, thanks to the preventive measures adopted.

The minister acknowledged that a full normalization of service will take several days, given the magnitude of the damage. However, he reiterated that the technical decision to shut down the system in the east was necessary to protect the power generation infrastructure for the rest of the country and to ensure a more stable recovery.

The priority, he affirmed, is to act in an organized manner to restore electricity as quickly as possible.