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The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened in recent days, with blackouts exceeding 20 hours daily in several provinces, severely impacting the daily lives of the population.
The lack of electricity generation, the fuel deficit, and the constant breakdowns in thermoelectric plants have led to extended power outages across all regions of the country, where citizens have gone nearly an entire day without electricity.
In Holguín, the Electric Company reported that on February 13, some areas were without service for 24 consecutive hours, while the average disruption lasted 12 hours and 40 minutes.
Among the most affected circuits were Nipe-Báguanos (19:48), Nicaro-Cabónico (18:12), and Canela-Pesquero 1 (18:07). Additionally, others such as Antilla 2, Caridad Iberia, Gibara 1 and 2, Cortadera, Antilla 1, and Banes-Nicaragua experienced outages of over 13 hours. In the early morning of February 14, the service could not be fully restored.
In Camagüey, the authorities have taken measures to address the energy crisis, prioritizing the electricity supply in hospitals and essential services, while in the rest of the province, service is only guaranteed for an average of three hours a day.
In light of the seriousness of the situation, classes were suspended and students from provincial centers were sent home in a staggered manner. The closure of non-essential state institutions was also ordered to reduce energy consumption.
The fuel supply for emergency generators is guaranteed at healthcare centers and essential services, they stated. However, the gas stations only operate with generators during reduced hours: from 7:00 to 10:00 AM and from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.
Regarding food, authorities confirmed that the availability of flour will allow for the distribution of basic basket bread on Friday in the city of Camagüey and on Saturday in the municipalities. However, the production of released bread will depend on the availability of raw materials and electricity.
In the midst of the crisis, the pumping of water from the Máximo, Cubano-Bulgarian, and Pontezuela dams was partially restored on the afternoon of February 13, so the water supply in Camagüey will gradually resume by the weekend.
In Matanzas, a user highlighted that “after 22 hours without power, the electricity returned to Naranjal... and then they turned it off and turned it back on”. His words prompted comments from several internet users who expressed that they were experiencing the same situation.
"We are still in blackout because one phase went down in the Armando Mestre distribution area, we are approaching 23 hours without power, this is unbearable," "Here in Versalles, they turned it off and on 4 times, and now at 11:17 they restored it, but I’m sure it’s just a temporary fix," "And here in Pueblo Nuevo, we stand out, after 24 hours they restored it for 40 minutes and then cut it again, and it hasn't come back." These were some of the comments that could be read in the post.
In Havana, the Electric Company reported that during the early hours of February 14, a greater generation capacity was incorporated into the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), suggesting a slight improvement in services. However, power outages will continue to occur in a staggered manner
Blocks #3 and #4: from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Block #1: from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Block #2: from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Authorities warned that, in addition to scheduled outages, unexpected blackouts may occur in emergency circuits due to failures in the SEN.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is caused by a lack of electricity generation, a fuel deficit, and breakdowns in thermoelectric plants. Obsolete infrastructure and a lack of investment have also contributed to this dire situation.
How are blackouts affecting daily life in Cuba?
Prolonged blackouts significantly affect the daily life of Cubans, interrupting essential services such as water supply, food refrigeration, and hospital operations. Furthermore, they have led to the suspension of classes and the closure of non-essential state institutions.
What measures are being taken to tackle the energy crisis in Cuba?
Authorities have implemented scheduled power outages and prioritized electricity supply to essential services such as hospitals. Fuel supply for emergency generators in healthcare centers has also been ensured, although these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the crisis.
Which provinces in Cuba are most affected by blackouts?
Provinces like Camagüey, Holguín, and Matanzas have been severely affected by blackouts, with power outages exceeding 20 hours in some areas. These prolonged blackouts have caused growing discontent among the population.
What is the Cuban government's response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has tried to justify the energy crisis as a result of external restrictions, however, this explanation has not alleviated the discontent of the population, which demands concrete and effective solutions to address the situation.
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