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The worsening energy crisis in Cuba, where hours of electricity are becoming increasingly scarce and thermal power plants break down day after day, keeps the population in a state of unease and pessimism about the immediate future.
The Felton thermoelectric plant has just gone offline for at least 20 days, and the recent breakdowns of the Guiteras, which has suffered significant deterioration after decades of neglect, suggest a grim outlook for electricity supply.
Many fear another widespread blackout, like those that have occurred since last October. Indignation, hopelessness, and skepticism reign among Cubans, who have no choice but to vent on social media.
"The only thing those numbers and the situation tell me is that we are on the brink of another blackout. A deficit of 1800 MW, that says it all, and with the current generation situation, we will be without electricity for at least a week. Shameful and abusive towards the people," said an architect on the Unión Eléctrica's account on Facebook.
"Don't be surprised if the national electricity system goes down at any moment; it's a disaster. We didn't even have such a deficit in the summer, with no fuel and the units leaving one after another. They shouldn't schedule so many maintenance days; they spend the whole year on scheduled maintenance, and when it's time for them to enter service, either they struggle with it, or when they finally do, they last less than a week. The electricity system in this country is a complete disaster; the hours without power keep increasing. Right now, electricity will be supplied by sectors, if at all, and maybe once a month," said a resident of Matanzas.
"Everything is inhumane; there is no mention of what is happening. Children and the elderly are going without food, unable to sleep, waiting for the electricity to return just to have a bite to eat, and nothing. It's degrading," commented a resident of Pinar del Río.
A resident in Granma commented on the forecast from the Electric Union for this Wednesday, predicting an impact of nearly 1800 MW. "Let's prepare for another collapse of the National Electric System. The impact is already more than half of the demand the country requires; we live just to endure these daily misfortunes."
"For God's sake, the province of Matanzas can’t take it anymore; there are elderly people and children who need a solution quickly because they are killing us slowly," expressed a resident of the municipality of Pedro Betancourt.
In some areas, power outages are lasting all day.
"24 hours without electricity in Cienfuegos, a total disaster in this province, no leader is saying anything," criticized a mother.
"What we're living through is not life, no. An entire day without electricity, and they turn it on in the early morning for the workers to start washing and cooking at that hour. You all need to work properly and make a plan so you can see that there's no need to keep shooting down the people," a woman from Bayamo pointed out.
"This is inhumane. How is it possible to have a place without power for 24 hours? Who is going to pay for the food of those people that is going bad? And the strangest thing is that the two largest in the country are in Miner, the Felton and the Guiteras," stated a resident of Cienfuegos.
Several users expressed their discontent that Havana is experiencing fewer hours of blackouts compared to the other provinces.
"If you were to make a shared, equitable plan for the entire island, I’m sure the suffering would be less. But unfortunately, the capital and other areas are untouched, neither during the day nor at night. What we are experiencing is inhumane. And I don’t want anyone to tell me anymore that it’s because of the intensified blockade (...). There may be difficulties, but there is also a lack of proper planning in every sense of the word," demanded an elderly woman.
"All the provinces have over 12 hours, 18 hours, 20 hours. And when will it be for Havana? It's not fair that Havana only has four hours, no words," questioned a resident from Holguín.
"Why rent boats if you don't fuel them? Why have 57 sites halted due to lack of fuel? Today, more than 500 MW are affected by this issue. Not even during the special period, when the crisis hit, was there such disparity between regions, sectors, and among people," stated a tourism worker.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the increase in power outages in Cuba?
The increase in power outages in Cuba is primarily due to a lack of maintenance and investment in thermal power plants, such as the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, which is suffering from significant deterioration. Additionally, fuel shortages and poor planning contribute to the deficit in electricity generation.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis severely impacts the quality of life for Cubans, as prolonged blackouts limit access to essential services such as food, water, and healthcare. This has increased social unrest, affecting the physical and emotional health of the population, especially children and the elderly.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised to work tirelessly to resolve the energy crisis, but the solutions have been insufficient. Attempts like the implementation of "microsystems" and the purchase of fuels and supplies have failed to stabilize the electricity supply, and the absence of a clear strategy is evident.
What do Cubans think about the government's management of the energy crisis?
Cubans criticize the government for its inefficiency and lack of real solutions in response to the energy crisis. They demand concrete answers and fewer empty speeches, and many are calling for the resignation of the current leaders due to the unsustainable situation. The population is tired of the constant justifications and is demanding a change in the system.
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