Several municipalities in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo experienced power outages on the night of this Sunday, according to a statement from the Electric Company published on social media.
"Dear customers, we would like to inform you that the province of Santiago de Cuba is currently out of the national energy system," the message posted on Telegram states, without providing details about the cause of the blackout or an estimated time for the restoration of service.
"The company stated, 'The causes are being investigated, we will provide more information later.'"
Official spokesman José Yaser Centray Soler announced on Facebook that the malfunction occurred on the 110 kV line in Renté.
"A fault in the 110 kV line in Renté has left Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the entire province of Guantánamo without electricity. Efforts are being made to restore the service," it was indicated.
The announcer also noted in another post that "prioritized circuits are being restored in the province. They are working on establishing electric service to other circuits."
Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Party in the province of Santiago de Cuba, reported on Facebook that the malfunction affected several municipalities.
"A fault in the 110 kV line in Renté has left the municipalities of Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the province of Guantánamo without electricity," she noted.
"Specialists are working to restore the service," Johnson stated.
Various profiles on social media, including that of journalist Yosmany Mayeta, reported the collapse of the electrical system in Santiago de Cuba.
"I have been informed of a blackout in almost all of Santiago de Cuba. I would like to know if Santiago de Cuba is paying a penance or if it is saving for the entire country," noted the social communicator.
For the umpteenth time in recent months, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) exceeded the forecast for blackouts for the day. While 1,481 MW were expected, 1,548 MW ended up being affected due to a shortfall in generating capacity.
December has not started off well in terms of energy in Cuba, as eight thermal power units remain out of service today, and during peak hours, a power outage of 1,436 MW is expected, which, as usual, is likely to be higher.
Recently, the Cuban government established a "special electrical contingency regime" that includes planned power outages lasting more than 72 hours in the event that the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) fails to meet the country's electricity demand.
With the publication this Tuesday in the Official Gazette of Decree 110, the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel establishes a kind of "state of exception" that, like the typical "states of alarm, exception, and siege" found in the constitutions of many countries around the world, grants exceptional powers to authorities to address extraordinary and serious situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo
What caused the massive blackout in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo?
The massive blackout in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo was caused by a malfunction in the 110 kV line in Renté. This failure left Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the entire province of Guantánamo without electricity, and specialists are working to restore the service.
How long is the power outage expected to last in the affected areas?
The Electric Company has not provided an estimated time for the restoration of service. The causes are being investigated and the system is being adjusted to restore the electrical flow, but authorities have asked the public for patience.
How does the current energy crisis affect the rest of the island?
The energy crisis is impacting the entire island, with prolonged blackouts and a significant electricity generation deficit. In several provinces, power cuts can last up to 18 hours a day, and the government has implemented a special contingency plan for electricity due to the critical situation of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN).
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented a special contingency electricity regime that includes planned power outages lasting more than 72 hours. An effort has also been announced to increase generation through renewable sources, although these measures have not resolved the current energy crisis.
How does this situation affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, limiting their ability to perform basic tasks such as cooking or refrigerating food. In Santiago de Cuba, some areas experience outages lasting up to 21 hours, leading to frustration and criticism of the government's handling of the crisis.
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