After the collapse of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) in the early hours of Wednesday, millions of Cubans woke up to a blackout, including Cuban contemporary art critic Jorge de Mello, who reacted with indignation, stating: “We live in a country where the only thing that doesn’t seem to collapse is the government.”
On Facebook, Mello admitted that the news “doesn't surprise me,” a reaction that is understandable given that this is the third mass blackout that Cubans have experienced in just two months.
The critic recounted how the early morning passed in darkness and cold, awakened at 4:50 a.m. by his dog, who seemed restless due to the low temperatures.
Without electricity or internet, she had to bundle up and turn on a rechargeable lamp to make coffee while trying to grasp the extent of what had happened.
Later, as the connection was partially restored, he discovered that the temperature in Havana was 12 °C and that the collapse of the National Electrical System had once again left millions of Cubans in the dark.
This new collapse of the National Electric System, the third to occur in Cuba since October 18, highlights the severe crisis facing the country's electricity sector.
The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant, located in Matanzas, has been a recurring focus in these events due to its structural deterioration and the challenges in ensuring proper maintenance.
The Cuban government has suspended classes and non-essential work due to the new widespread blackout that began early this morning.
The Cienfuegos station "Radio Ciudad del Mar" announced that it has suspended assistance to children's circles.
"Regarding the internal centers, more information will be provided later," the note clarified.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced on social media that the national electricity system (SEN) was beginning to be progressively restored, starting with the establishment of islands by region, as had occurred during the previous two collapses.
In a post on the MINEM's X account, Vicente de la O Levy explained that "the conditions are more favorable than during the last disconnection" - as if that were a true relief for a people tired of blackouts - and he added that the adherence to procedures is not affected by hurricanes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why do massive blackouts occur in Cuba?
Mass blackouts in Cuba are primarily caused by the collapse of the National Electric Power System (SEN), due to the outage of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, which is facing structural deterioration and a lack of maintenance. This has led to repeated failures in the electrical system since October.
What is the Cuban government's response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented measures such as the suspension of classes and non-essential work, and has promised to work on restoring electricity. However, the lack of a clear and effective strategy remains evident, resulting in social discontent and protests due to the absence of effective solutions.
How do power outages affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts, which can last up to 20 hours a day, have severely impacted the quality of life for Cubans, limiting access to basic services such as food, water, and healthcare. This has heightened social unrest and protests in various regions of the country.
What measures are being taken to restore the electric supply in Cuba?
To restore the electricity supply, the Ministry of Energy and Mines has started to create "islands" of distributed generation across various regions. Priority is given to electrical microsystems for water pumping, and efforts are underway to start thermal power plants; however, the process is slow and does not guarantee an immediate solution.
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