Cuba turns off a large part of its public lighting due to energy crisis

Theenergy crisis in Cuba It leaves extended blackouts and a drastic cut in public lighting, which could worsen during the repair stage of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant.

At a meeting of the Council of Ministers it was reported that the crisis in the country has led to extreme measures of restriction in the use of energy in the last year, resulting in thedisconnection of 74% of public lighting and prolonged blackouts throughout Cuba.

The savings policies of the Cuban regime deepen the discontent in the population day by day. However, Vicente de la O Levy, Minister of Energy and Mines, highlighted the effectiveness of last year's restrictions, which resulted in a7% decrease in electricity consumption national.

Among the measures that he claims "worked", was the total or partial suspension of 120,788 services during peak hours, the paralysis of non-essential climate equipment, the readjustment of work schedules for more than 68,000 workers and the aforementioned cutback in public lighting.

Dark cities are a danger for Cubans. Traffic accidents are increasing, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. The streets also become opportune scenarios for the increase in crime, as has been reported on numerous occasions.

Despite all these effects of the measures on Cuban social dynamics, the Prime Minister,Manuel Marrero, pointed out that there is an urgency to reinforce savings actions due to the adversities that the country faces due to the lack of fuel.

In his opinion, the Cuban people have a high electricity demand, and he considers it unjustified in the midst of the "recent low temperatures."

The situation worsens with the announcement of theCuban Electrical Union (UNE) on the paralysis of theThermoelectric Antonio Guiteras, the largest in Cuba. The plant will be under maintenance for two weeks in March. The days out of service are a hard blow to the National Electric System (SEN).

The regime claims to have prepared in detail the procedures for the maintenance of Guiteras. They hope to balance energy production through the use of fuels stored in floating swamps and in the Mariel and Moa sites.

While these plans materialize, blackouts are a reality throughout the national territory. Until recently, they had less severely impacted Havana, but the capital is already facing power outages of between 4 and 6 hours each day.

The scene offuel shortage It poses a gloomy outlook for Cubans, as it exposes the island's energy vulnerability and the direct impact on the quality of life of its inhabitants.