Communist Cuba's power grid has collapsed for the fourth time in less than a year, causing a country-wide blackout, authorities say.

"There has been a total disconnection of the Electric System," the Energy Ministry and National Electric Union said.

The grid operator said the grid collapsed at 9.14am on the Caribbean island.

The ministry said causes are being investigated and the restoration process has already begun.

Even before Wednesday's grid collapse, leaving 10 million residents without power, many across the island had already been experiencing daily blackouts of 16 hours or more.

The grid failure follows a string of blackouts since late last year that plunged Cuba's frail and antiquated power generation system into near-total disarray.

The country has also been facing fuel, f

See Full Page