Officials in Cuba report an islandwide blackout in the country of some 11 million people as its energy and economic crises deepen. The Ministry of Energy and Mines notes a "complete disconnection" of the country's electrical system and says it is investigating. President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Friday warned that the island had not received oil shipments in more than three months and that it was operating on solar power, natural gas and thermoelectric plants. Cuba has blamed its woes on a U.S. energy blockade. President Donald Trump warned in January of tariffs on any country that would sell or provide oil to the island.
By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ and MILEXSY DURAN Associated Press
A small town in far eastern Cuba is recovering from flooding that killed at least six people after Hurricane Oscar crossed the island's eastern coast as a tropical storm with winds and heavy rain. Cuba's capital was partially illuminated Monday night after a massive blackout that has generated a handful of protests and a stern government warning that any unrest will be punished. President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on state television that rescue and recovery work continued in the town of San Antonio del Sur and officials have yet to enter some flooded areas. 'The country has completely halted,' says homemaker Mayde Quiñone. She cares for her mother-in-law, who is in her 80s. She says 'this hurts everyone, but the elderly most of all.'
By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ and MILEXSY DURAN Associated Press
Cuba's capital was largely paralyzed on Monday and the rest of the island was bracing for the fourth night of a massive blackout. That has generated both a handful of small protests and a stern government warning that any unrest will be punished. Hurricane Oscar was crossing the island's eastern coast with winds and heavy rain after a night that saw protests of several dozen people each in urban neighborhoods. The Cuban government has a low tolerance for civil disobedience and President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned on national television Sunday that 'we're not going to allow any vandalism, or let anyone disturb people's tranquility.'
Fossil fuels are still a large source of electricity, but California has made progress with renewables while keeping the lights on. The state recently hit a milestone: 100 days this year with 100% carbon-free, renewable electricity for at least a part of each day. The state notched the milestone while avoiding blackouts and emergency power reductions this year, even with the hottest July on record. That's according to Stanford University engineering Professor Mark Z. Jacobson. Energy experts say the progress is largely due to the substantial public and private investments in renewable energy. But California still has a long way to go to stop burning fossil fuels. Natural gas remains its single largest source of electricity.
