Several municipalities in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo experienced power outages on the night of this Sunday, according to a statement released by the Electric Company on social media.
"Dear customers, we would like to inform you that the province of Santiago de Cuba is currently out of the national power system," states the message shared on Telegram, without providing details about the cause of the blackout or an estimated time for the restoration of service.
“The causes are being investigated; we will provide more information later,” said the company.
Official broadcaster José Yaser Centray Soler reported on Facebook that the outage occurred on the 110 kV line in Renté.
"A breakdown in the 110 kV line in Renté has left Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the entire province of Guantánamo without electricity. Efforts are underway to restore power," he indicated.
The announcer also noted in another post that "prioritized circuits in the province are being restored. They are working on reestablishing electrical service to other circuits."
Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Party in the province of Santiago de Cuba, reported on Facebook that the outage affected several municipalities.
"A malfunction in the 110 kV line in Renté has left the municipalities of Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the province of Guantánamo without electricity," he noted.
"The specialists are working to restore the service," Johnson noted.
Various social media profiles, including that of journalist Yosmany Mayeta, reported the collapse of the electrical system in Santiago de Cuba.
"I've received reports of a blackout in almost all of Santiago de Cuba. I would like to know if Santiago de Cuba is paying a penalty or if it is saving for the entire country," noted the social communicator.
For the umpteenth time in recent months, the Electric Union (UNE) of Cuba exceeded the forecast for power outages for the day. While 1,481 MW were expected, the impact reached 1,548 MW due to a shortfall in generation capacity.
December has not started off well for energy in Cuba, as today eight thermal power units are still out of service, and during peak hours, power outages of 1,436 MW are anticipated, which, as usual, will likely end up being even more.
Recently, the Cuban government established a "special electricity contingency regime" that includes planned blackouts lasting more than 72 hours in the event that the National Electroenergy System (SEN) cannot meet the country's electricity demand.
With the publication this Tuesday in the Official Gazette of Decree 110, the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel formalizes a sort of "state of exception" that, like the usual "states of alarm, exception, and siege" found in the constitutions of many countries around the world, grants exceptional powers to the authorities to address extraordinary and serious situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo
What caused the massive blackout in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo?
The massive blackout in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo was caused by a malfunction in the 110 kV line in Renté. This outage left Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the entire province of Guantánamo without electricity, and specialists are working to restore the service.
How long is the power outage expected to last in the affected areas?
The Electric Company has not provided an estimated time for the restoration of service. The causes are being investigated, and the system is being manipulated to restore the electrical flow, but the authorities have asked the public for patience.
How does the current energy crisis affect the rest of the island?
The energy crisis is impacting the entire island, with extended blackouts and a significant electricity generation deficit. In several provinces, power cuts can last up to 18 hours a day, and the government has implemented a special electrical contingency regime due to the critical situation of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN).
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented a special electrical contingency regime that includes planned blackouts lasting over 72 hours. There has also been an announcement of efforts to increase generation through renewable sources, although these measures have not resolved the current energy crisis.
How does this situation affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, limiting their ability to perform basic tasks like cooking or refrigerating food. In Santiago de Cuba, some areas experience outages lasting up to 21 hours, leading to frustration and criticism of the government's handling of the crisis.
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