The influencer and activist Yoandi Montiel Hernández, known as The Cat of Cuba, reported on social media about the worsening of the blackouts in Havana.
"There are three true things in this life. In prison, you know when you enter but you do not know when you will exit, because you can get caught up. In life, you know when you are born, but you do not know when you will die, because that is unpredictable. And here, at Guiteras (a thermoelectric plant in western Cuba), you know when the power goes out but you do not know when it will come back. They are going too far!" he expressed on his social media.
The capital had been one of the least affected areas by the energy crisis, but the Cuban regime has already begun scheduling power outages every three hours.
The Cat of Cuba, visibly upset, asserted that the blackouts are spreading and increasingly affecting more vulnerable people. He wondered "how much longer" this situation would have to be endured.
He also reported that children are sleeping in inhumane conditions due to the heat and the proliferation of mosquitoes, making it impossible for them to attend school or lead a normal life the next day.
Suspension of work and teaching activities in Cuba
The Cuban government announced this Thursday the suspension of work and educational activities for this weekend, due to the severe energy crisis the country is experiencing.
"...It has been decided to suspend teaching and work activities that are not essential on February 14 and 15 under the current conditions," reported the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS).
The official notice details that basic services for the population will be maintained, and the affected workers will receive a salary compensation in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Code.
Some events may be canceled in the country. In this regard, it is important to highlight that it has not yet been announced how the decision will affect the 33rd edition of the International Book Fair of Havana, scheduled to begin this Friday with the participation of 400 guests from 40 countries.
An old and collapsing energy system
The energy crisis in Cuba continues to worsen. The Electric Union (UNE) reported on Thursday a maximum deficit of 56% of national demand, equivalent to 1,810 MW during peak consumption hours.
In recent hours, the General Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), Lázaro Guerra, warned that the situation would be particularly complicated, although an "improvement in service disruptions" is expected.
Ten thermoelectric units are out of service, six due to malfunction and four for maintenance. This means that half of the total of 20 thermoelectric production units, spread across seven plants, are not operational.
In addition, 59 distributed generation plants and two floating plants have been taken out of service due to a lack of fuel, both fuel oil and diesel.
The Cuban government claims that it is promoting temporary solutions to mitigate the energy crisis, but they have not managed to resolve the country's structural problem. For the past five years, blackouts have been affecting Cubans every day, although they are now feeling them more intensely in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are frequent blackouts occurring in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are a result of a collapsed energy system, with a generation deficit reaching up to 56% of national demand. Ten thermoelectric units are out of service, six due to breakdowns and four for maintenance, which limits the electricity generation capacity. Furthermore, the lack of fuel has rendered 59 distributed generation plants and two floating power plants inoperative.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has decided to suspend non-essential work and educational activities on February 14 and 15 to contribute to energy savings. Only essential services for the population will remain operational, and affected workers will receive salary compensation. However, these measures have not resolved the structural issues of the energy system on the island.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis has severely impacted the daily lives of Cubans. The frequent blackouts disrupt nighttime rest due to the heat and the proliferation of mosquitoes, especially affecting children, hindering a normal life and school attendance. Furthermore, the lack of electricity has led to the suspension of work and educational activities, interrupting daily routines.
How is the Cuban population responding to the energy crisis?
The Cuban population has expressed its discontent through social media, conveying frustration and fatigue over the prolonged blackouts. Citizens criticize the government's management and demand effective solutions to a crisis they consider unsustainable. Additionally, they have resorted to ingenuity to adapt to the situation, such as cooking on improvised campfires.
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