Cuban Television reported that this Saturday afternoon the official media will provide an update on the status of the National Electric System (SEN) following the massive blackout that occurred on Friday.
However, many Cubans wonder how they will find out about the information if they don't have electricity to watch television.
"At 4:30 PM today, as reported by the National Television News, the media will provide an update on the situation of the National Electric System," the regime announced via Telegram.
The announcement was criticized by internet users who questioned the strategy of broadcasting the update on national television when households cannot turn on their television sets.
What current will we be watching it with?, a forum user exclaimed, while others ventured hypotheses about how they would see it. "It will be through the sky, because there's no connection," wrote one person.
Some commented that they would only say the same about the reestablishment of the SEN and the investment in photovoltaic parks, something that a Cuban deemed a "toothache."
“After that update, true socialism will be built in the NTV,” another quipped sarcastically.
Currently, more than 70% of the population in Cuba remains without electricity since the collapse of the national system that occurred on Friday night, which plunged the entire country into a blackout, according to a survey conducted by CiberCuba on its social media.
72% of the participants are still without electricity, in contrast to just 28% who have had their service restored.
Other provinces, such as Pinar del Río, remain disconnected from the National Electric System (SEN) following the widespread outage that left all of Cuba without electricity on Friday.
According to the telecenter Tele Pinar, the province will begin to receive electricity "as soon as" one of the two units in Mariel synchronizes, which are already in the process of starting up.
Although the regime is betting on the start-up of the CTE Antonio Guiteras, the largest power generator in Cuba, the restoration of the National Electric System (SEN) has been complicated following the massive blackout this Friday.
The creation of electrical microsystems to generate electricity has faced "entry issues," and as a variant, they have opted for the installation of diesel engines and floating power plants to generate electricity for Energás and initiate the operation of the plants.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Massive Blackout in Cuba and the Status of the National Electric System (SEN)
What is the current state of the National Electroenergy System in Cuba?
The National Electro-Energetic System (SEN) of Cuba has experienced a total collapse that left 72% of the population without electricity. Although efforts have been made to restore the service, over 70% of Cubans still remain without power, and the recovery process faces multiple difficulties, particularly in provinces like Pinar del Río.
Why does the Cuban government choose to broadcast updates from the SEN on television if there is a blackout?
The decision to broadcast updates about the SEN on television has been questioned by the public, as during the blackout many households do not have electricity to turn on their televisions. This measure has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness in a situation where the majority of citizens are without electric service.
What solutions is the Cuban government implementing to restore electric service?
The Cuban government is trying to synchronize thermoelectric plants and create electrical microsystems to restore service. However, these efforts have encountered multiple problems, and the electricity supply remains limited. Diesel engines and floating power plants have been used as temporary alternatives.
How has the blackout affected telecommunications in Cuba?
The massive blackout has also affected telecommunications coverage, which has not fully returned to normal. Only 55% of the radio bases and 72% of the integrated cabinets are operational, limiting access to mobile phone services and data in much of the country.
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