Cubans living on the island woke up in shock this Wednesday after the third collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) in less than two months, due to an "unexpected" outage of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant located in Matanzas.
Although the Cuban government claims that efforts are being made to restore order, discontent among the Cuban people is growing, and many are calling for Díaz-Canel's immediate resignation.
In hundreds of comments on the Facebook profiles of Unión Eléctrica (UNE) and Cubadebate, people describe the situation as unsustainable and demand concrete answers instead of repetitive justifications that are far from being real solutions.
Many Cubans are demanding that the government resign immediately and are labeling the situation that the Cuban people are enduring as true "state terrorism."
There have been those who have pointed out how quickly the situation of "72 hours without power," predicted by Decree 110 and denied by the regime, is about to become a reality.
"If we could, we would all leave. This is not living"; "This is state terrorism"; "The Cuban people need a different kind of collapse to put an end to this suffering"; "Let the Cuban people be free. Do not cause any more suffering"; "You are experimenting on the people. Acknowledge that you are broken. Power plants are not eternal, and you are corrupt and failures"; "Just leave already, corrupt inept fools. This is unsustainable," are some of the opinions expressed.
"The government only talks about the blockade but does nothing to resolve the situation. They have destroyed Cuba"; "It's disgraceful not to have the right to basic services. Taxes and electricity payments should be suspended"; "In a year, no economic or social aspect has improved. This is only being endured by the people"; "With old and decrepit equipment, it's impossible for things to function normally. This is pure inefficiency"; "The people of Cuba have endured too much. They should just resign; this is no way to live." These statements reflect the frustration in the face of an unbearable crisis.
Several internet users have ironically questioned what will happen with Sandro Castro's birthday, which was set to be celebrated in grand style this Thursday, December 5th.
"What keeps me awake at night is, what will happen with the birthday of the young revolutionary and humble man tomorrow?"; "Has Sandro Castro lost power?"; "Did they ruin Sandrito Castro's birthday?"; "Sandro Castro's birthday will be lit with solar panels"; "He probably has a super generator and a well-lit oasis around his house so that his neighbors don’t protest," some internet users pointed out.
Nevertheless, everyone agrees that, despite the unexpected blackout, the grandson will have the opportunity to celebrate his birthday in grand style despite the "contingency."
Dozens of Cubans have also become aware of the opacity in the management of financial resources and the daily impact of these collapses on their quality of life.
For many, the electrical system is yet another indication of a deep crisis affecting all aspects of life in Cuba, fueling widespread discontent.
The collected opinions reflect the deep discontent and frustration of citizens regarding the current situation in Cuba, characterized by constant failures in the electrical system, the inefficiency of the authorities, and the daily challenges faced by the people.
Summary of other comments that highlight the exhaustion of a people that can no longer endure.
"They are going to have to change the narrative; nobody believes them. La Guiteras is the one they 'fix' the most, and it always causes problems. It is fully deserved that they are included on the list of terrorist countries because what you have set up there is terrorism against the people. I continue to have faith that one day all of you will pay."
"We are the only citizens in the world who know the names of the thermoelectric plants…"
"Can someone from the Electric Union explain why the automatic disconnection of Antonio Guiteras happens so frequently? This has become unacceptable… Now we have to spend what we don't have to reconnect again, not to mention the extra work for everyone involved in the reconnection."
"It is because it is made up of nothing but patches. It is quite old and in very poor condition. To provide it with the proper maintenance it needs would take about the same time as Unit 2 of Felton, which won't return to service until 2028. Therefore, unfortunately, we are in a difficult situation."
"More of the same, something always happens. Russia lends them 60 million dollars at zero interest, they even give them two more just in case, and they never solve anything. They boast about having countless oil tankers in the ports yet generate not a single megawatt of electricity. The people suffer, and Cuba is unhappy."
"This is the never-ending story. It is supposed that consumption is lower in the early morning and during winter. Something else happened; don't mislead the people any longer. Your work is very poor, the truth is you don't care about the people at all. In short, we are continuity and we want more, and those of us who have to endure are the ones on the ground."
"These deficits of 1500 MW forecast a general blackout. We are already becoming familiar with how the national electrical system works. Many of us were already expecting this. The anxiety of Cubans here will be constant for the remainder of December and will continue into 2025."
"What I wonder is how, with temperatures below 20 degrees all day, there can be a demand above 3000. Not even you believe that. This is the most inefficient country; there isn't even one technician worthy enough to fix an error that has already disconnected the national system three times in less than two months. Admit it: this job is too much for you, just like it is for those who misgovern this country."
"How could our beloved Cuba not be in a state of collapse when it has been hit by the worst plague, worse than nuclear bombs, called communism? Freedom for Cuba."
"My God, we’re in trouble. What kind of situation does this country have? Now we’ll see how many days we’ll be facing endless blackouts. What a miserable life, that at this hour of the morning a person is awake because the system malfunctioned. In other words, it collapsed."
"Compatriots: at this crucial moment in our struggle for freedom, it is essential that we recognize the importance of unity and mutual support… Long live a free Cuba! Forward, always forward."
"Once again it's the same story; this is becoming unbearable. Now they're justifying everything with the terrible blockade instead of the incompetence of those in power. What we need are solutions."
"The only solution for the island is for the mafia group that misgoverns it alongside the Castro family to leave, and this will only be possible with a humanitarian intervention from the U.S."
"You can think whatever you want, be it in agreement with or against a political system, but to ask for your country, the land that gave you birth and identity, to be attacked—that is cowardice. Gather your courage and go with the Marines."
"I don't care who carries out the humanitarian intervention; what I want is to live as a person and for my son to have a better future. If the U.S. conducts interventions with bombs and missiles, that's something I learned from this atrocious regime."
"Fidel and many others waged an armed struggle to eliminate hunger, misery, exploitation, and inequality. Now those same issues have returned. If the Revolution was fought to end the ills of society, what is needed now to resolve this unsustainable situation?"
"They laugh at us for wasting our time reading their lies and abuses against the people. The day I see them without their bellies, that’s when I will believe what they say."
"It had taken quite some time. Let's continue enjoying the progress and the legacies that are so often mentioned."
The energy collapse not only impacts the electrical supply but has also become a symbol of the structural crisis facing the country, intensifying public discontent and highlighting the deficiencies of the system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why did the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) in Cuba collapse?
The collapse of the SEN in Cuba is mainly due to the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant. This plant is the largest and most important in the country, and its deteriorating structural condition has led to repeated failures. The lack of investment and maintenance in the electrical infrastructure has worsened the situation, resulting in widespread blackouts across the island.
What consequences has the energy crisis in Cuba had for the population?
The energy crisis in Cuba has forced the population to endure power outages of up to 20 hours a day, significantly impacting their quality of life. The lack of electricity has restricted access to food, water, and medical services, leading to protests and a rise in social discontent in various regions of the country.
What is the Cuban government doing to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has pledged to work tirelessly to resolve the energy crisis, but so far, the solutions have been insufficient. Despite efforts to restore the National Electric System through the implementation of "microsystems" and the purchase of fuels and supplies, the absence of a clear and effective strategy remains evident.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuba's electrical system?
The energy crisis is highlighting the fragility and obsolescence of the Cuban electrical system. With multiple thermoelectric plants out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance, the deficit in electricity generation is significant. This has resulted in prolonged power outages and repeated failures in energy supply across various regions of the island.
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