The energy crisis in Cuba, characterized by power outages lasting over 14 hours a day, has tested the patience of the population, leading to a wave of protests on social media.
The Electric Union (UNE) published its daily impact report on Facebook this Tuesday, a post that many internet users took as an opportunity to express some truths to the regime.
Ernesto Rodríguez López stated that the people are victims of an experiment: “For the umpteenth consecutive day, we will exceed 1,000 MW at night. Yet another consecutive night during which we will not sleep as human beings need to.”
Likewise, María Elena Núñez expressed resignation: “I don’t even comment anymore; it’s clear that it’s pointless. It’s not worth it. We have to accept that we are slowly dying each day.”
For his part, Robert Muñoz was blunt in his remark: “The same never-ending story, and the people enduring blackouts of over 16 hours a day, the same report every day with no response regarding a solution, alternative, or improvement.”
He also asked, "Leaders, please, there is a community that has been suffering from the same problem for over three years, and nothing is being done; the situation worsens every day. If you are unable to provide a solution, step aside and let others take over."
User Alejo Ma expressed what many others also think: "In the green areas, we will spend the rest of our existence with more than 10 hours of blackout and only 3 hours of electricity."
The internet user DiAne Guerra sparked the debate: "I don’t understand, if the highest demand is in the capital, why are we the unfortunate ones in the east being charged? It’s already too much—three hours without power for twelve hours. My refrigerator has already broken down; what they are doing to us is a crime, and on top of that, our food has spoiled."
However, Ernesto Gálvez highlighted the stark differences that exist between Havana and the rest of Cuba: “Here in Central Havana, people are not even bothered to pay attention to this report; there are those who don't even know that this daily report of terror and despair exists. Here where I am in Central Havana, it feels as if it is not Cuba: zero blackouts.”
He also said, “But soon I will return to my city of Holguín to once again endure the horror that exists there and throughout Cuba, except in the capital.”
Yamile Vega, mocking the regime's slogans, said: "How great! We progress every day; we are continuity, but of the blackouts."
However, the government confirmed the deep concern of many Cubans: blackouts will continue until the year 2025.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de La O Levy, confirmed the worst fears of the Cuban people by addressing "frequent questions" from the public regarding the situation of the national electroenergetic system (SEN).
The Cuban regime has no short- or medium-term solution for the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN). According to the Minister of Energy, Miguel Díaz-Canel's government is making a "great financial effort" to import fuels, but also to purchase the parts and supplies needed to repair the outdated thermoelectric plants in the country, a "long-term" solution.
While the UNE works to restore the generation potential of its old and dilapidated thermoelectric plants, the availability will increase as new photovoltaic parks, which are beginning to be installed, are integrated into the national electric system.
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