Party leader admits collapse of the electricity system in Cuba: “It's impossible to plan for blackouts.”

The Party leader in Granma acknowledges that blackouts cannot be planned and assures, with a revolutionary solemnity, that she also suffers them alongside her family.

Blackouts in Cuba (reference image)Photo © Sora /CiberCuba

The first secretary of the Party in Granma, Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló acknowledged this Tuesday that, with only 20 MW available, it is not possible to organize a stable rotation of power outages in the province, a clear indication from the highest leadership of the regime admitting the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN).

"Yudelkis, the first secretary of the Party in the province of Granma, is speaking, and I do so from the responsibility I hold and with all the sensitivity that this topic deserves," the leader began in her message published on Facebook, addressed to users who had left comments about the prolonged power outages.

Capture Facebook / Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló

Ortiz admitted that, to establish a minimal planning of electrical outages —a rotation of 7 or 8 hours without service and 3 with service— at least 30 MW are required.

However, the province is currently operating with barely 20 MW and, at times, even less, strong words that leave no doubt that the SEN is on the brink of a definitive collapse if this situation is not reversed.

"It is impossible to organize a plan, at least one that is stable," he stated.

He stated that, whenever units from the electrical system go offline due to breakdowns or fuel shortages, and the deficit exceeds 1,400 MW or even reaches 2,000 nationwide, it becomes unfeasible to implement a consistent schedule across the regions.

He stressed that the focus is on what cannot lose vitality: the sick, newborns, mothers in labor, patients on hemodialysis, surgical emergencies, and hospitals that, in many cases, do not have generators capable of operating for 24 hours.

It added water pumping systems and supply through tank trucks to the priorities.

"Some systems need to pump for 8, 9 or more hours to ensure that water reaches the last resident," she pointed out, highlighting that the population of Granma faces, in addition to prolonged power outages, problems with access to the vital liquid.

According to what he said, one of the measures taken has been to minimize the so-called "non-shutdown" circuits, keeping only those that ensure essential services.

He also mentioned the construction of three photovoltaic parks in the province with an installed capacity of 21.8 MW, in addition to one more in progress and two donated parks of 5 MW.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that these investments have not yet "impacted" the overall improvement of the service, although the areas where they are located show better conditions during the day.

Ortiz closed his message with a statement aimed at being empathetic in the midst of a province that is crumbling: “I do this first not from a position of empathy, but by sharing the same situation with my family, and also from the responsibility I have as a public servant.”

That is to say, she does not speak from understanding, but from the assumed fact that she also experiences the blackouts like any citizen.

All while asking for patience, solidarity, and, to top it all off, eternal gratitude towards a revolution that today cannot even guarantee electricity to the country.

"I leave you here what we cannot be without: affection, hugs, solidarity, and respect among us, and above all, the gratitude that we should never forget everything this revolution has done for us. Let us not lose faith and hope, no matter how tough and difficult the moment may be," he emphasized in a message that almost seems mocking.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba

What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?

The electrical system in Cuba is on the brink of collapse, with a significant generation deficit causing prolonged blackouts across the country. The availability of energy is insufficient to meet demand, and the infrastructure is deteriorating, exacerbating the energy crisis.

Why is it impossible to plan power outages in Cuba?

According to Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the first secretary of the Party in Granma, it is impossible to schedule blackouts due to the limited availability of megawatts. With only 20 MW available in her province, it becomes unfeasible to establish a consistent schedule for power cuts, as at least 30 MW are needed for a minimal rotation.

What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?

The Cuban government has begun the construction of solar parks and aims to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. However, these measures have not yet managed to significantly improve the electricity service, and the impact on the population remains limited.

How does the energy crisis affect the daily life of Cubans?

The energy crisis severely impacts daily life in Cuba, with power outages lasting up to 24 hours, limiting access to basic services such as food refrigeration, the use of fans, and the ability to engage in work and educational activities. The situation is especially critical in the summer when temperatures rise.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.