While millions of Cubans endure power outages of up to 10 hours a day, the Cuban government has begun to impose a series of new electrical restrictions that profoundly impact the daily routines and survival prospects of the population.
In the X Plenary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, announced a severe package of measures to address the current energy crisis: the closure of state offices from Friday to Monday, the reorganization of public services to reduce electricity consumption, and targeted cuts to the private sector that exceed their assigned limits.
These actions, according to the authorities, aim to alleviate the pressure on the national electrical system, which has collapsed due to years of deterioration, lack of maintenance, and structural inefficiency.
However, its immediate impact falls on the population, which is already dealing with interrupted services, difficulties in cooking, storing food, or working, and an oppressive summer without even the option of using a fan.
The most recent development on the matter is that the measures have begun to be announced in the administrative councils of various territories such as Calixto García and Manicaragua, in the province of Villa Clara. Among the local provisions are:
- Prohibition of electrical consumption in carpentries and food production centers between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Mandatory 5% reduction in consumption at all state and non-state centers classified as high consumers.
- 30% reduction in energy plans of state entities.
- Limited work hours from Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the exception of essential services.
- Shift changes and closure of public institutions on Fridays, with an emphasis on the use of "breakers" to completely cut off electricity.
According to statements from local authorities, such as Alexander Santiesteban and Elizabeth Núñez, deputy municipal leaders in the mentioned areas, the goal is to "save energy in the state sector and have this impact the reduction of inconveniences for the population." However, for everyday citizens, the measure represents yet another twist in an already precarious situation.
One of the most critical points is the threat of power cuts to private businesses that exceed their consumption plans, at a time when many entrepreneurs are trying to keep their operations running with generators or alternative means. This measure could result in new economic losses and layoffs, especially in sectors such as gastronomy, entertainment, or digital services.
Far from being a time of rest or recreation, this summer of 2025 begins for Cubans marked by austerity, anxiety over prolonged blackouts, and accumulated frustration. Although authorities claim that the measures are "temporary," no structural solutions or investments have been announced that would allow for a substantial short-term improvement of the national electrical system.
In the neighborhoods, the most repeated phrase is a single one: “There is no respite”. The population, already accustomed to scarcity and postponed promises, now faces a new stage of resistance, as President Miguel Díaz-Canel likes to say.
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