Decree 110/2024: An Analysis of Its Impact on the Cuban Population Beyond Economic Actors

The publication on social media and independent media of the enactment of Decree 110/2024, which establishes "Regulations for the Control and Efficient Use of Energy Carriers and Renewable Energy Sources," has provoked a strong reaction from authorities and state-run media of the Cuban regime.

The inclusion in the regulation of a "special electricity contingency regime" (Chapter VI, Section One), which establishes the protocols for authorities and economic actors in the event of a declaration and notification of the regime, raised concern among the public due to the wording of Article 40.1. This article allows for the possibility of, in case of necessity, “impacting the electrical service in a planned and sustained manner for more than seventy-two [72] hours.”

The recent total collapse of the National Electric Power System (SEN) experienced by the Cuban population, which extended the blackout for over 72 hours on a massive scale across the territory, influenced the perception and understanding of the regulation issued by the Cuban regime, unleashing fear among the citizenry that the decree would "officialize" an even darker chapter in the energy crisis.

Immediately, the media apparatus of the Cuban regime set out to "refute" the information published by independent media and social networks, alarmed by the flood of comments from outraged and desperate citizens.

"It is false that there is a plan for a total blackout in Cuba for 72 hours. Every day, the Buenos Días magazine on Canal Caribe and Cuban radio report on the actual impact due to a deficit in generation capacity. IT IS NOT TRUE THAT A TOTAL BLACKOUT FOR 72 HOURS IS EXPECTED," clarified the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) on social media.

However, an analysis of Decree 110/2024 shows that, although the regulation is ostensibly aimed at "state and non-state economic actors," its content and the measures described indicate that the general population will also be affected.

A Legal Framework for the Energy Crisis

Decree 110 regulates how energy resources are managed in critical scenarios. In particular, Chapter VI outlines the necessary steps to declare and carry out a state of emergency in the event that "the National Electric System cannot meet the system's demand with its generation capacity."

Article 40.1 states: “The Minister of Energy and Mines proposes to the Council of Ministers the special regime for electrical contingency when the National Electroenergetic System fails to meet the system’s demand with its generation capacity, making it necessary to affect the electrical service in a planned and sustained manner for more than seventy-two hours.”

Según este artículo, la declaración del “régimen de contingencia eléctrica” se activa cuando el SEN no puede satisfacer la demanda durante más de 72 horas, obligando a establecer restricciones planificadas y sostenidas en el suministro eléctrico.

Although the initial approach seems to define a scope of application that encompasses both state and non-state enterprises and economic entities, the reality described in the decree and its provisions clearly indicates that the consequences of these measures will inevitably affect Cuban households.

Implications for the general population

The mere fact that the regulation outlines a procedure for authorities in the event that it becomes "necessary to affect the electrical service in a planned and sustained manner for more than seventy-two hours" underscores the reality that this possibility could indeed materialize, as Cubans have already experienced.

However, it is highly unlikely that an electricity contingency regime can be applied exclusively to economic actors without directly affecting the general population. Let’s see why:

Impossibility of separating economic actors from the population in a contingency regime:

1. Interdependence of economic actors and services to the population:

• State and non-state economic actors are intrinsically linked to the well-being of the population. For example:
• The affected refrigeration systems in economic entities include chambers that preserve food and medicines, which are essential for domestic consumption and public health.
• The cessation of pumping can affect the supply of drinking water, a basic service for households.
• Reductions in lighting and public illumination affect safety on the streets and in communities, directly impacting daily life.

2. Strategic priorities that exclude the residential sector:

• The prioritization of sectors such as tourism, health, and food production may further reduce the electricity available for household consumption, increasing the frequency and duration of blackouts in homes.

3. Indirect impact of the measures:

• Labor adjustments and the redistribution of schedules among economic actors also affect workers, most of whom are citizens. Changes in their work routines have an impact on the overall functioning of society.

Reason for mass communication to the population

The instruction for the UNE to keep the public informed through mass media (Article 40.5) implies a projected impact on the population, even though the decree does not state this explicitly.

This can be interpreted from two perspectives:

1. Implicit recognition of widespread impact: Informing the population through mass media confirms that the measures are not confined to the business sphere. If the population were not involved, communication could be restricted to economic actors through direct channels.
2. Social control and managing expectations: Publicly informing about the measures aims to prevent surprises and manage the reactions of the population. In a crisis context, the regime seeks to maintain the perception of transparency and minimize social tensions by explaining the reasons behind the impacts.

In a context of insufficient generation and an outdated electrical system, the energy deficit cannot be managed without impacting residential consumption. Therefore, although no direct measures are implemented for households, they bear the indirect consequences.

Conclusion: A decree that affects everyone

Decree 110/2024 exemplifies how regulation aimed at economic actors has an inevitable impact on the general population.

By prioritizing strategic sectors and centralizing decision-making, the Cuban government seeks to mitigate an unprecedented energy crisis.

However, the measures described and the necessary mass communication reflect that households will also play a significant role in this situation, facing blackouts, limitations in basic services, and new tensions in their daily lives.

Therefore, the decree combines elements of technical control with a political narrative to address both the crisis and its social impact.

Ultimately, this decree not only addresses an energy crisis but also redefines the living conditions of all Cubans, highlighting the limitations of the electrical system and the deep interconnections between the economy and society.

Frequently Asked Questions about Decree 110/2024 and its Impact on Cuba