Public outrage in Havana has reached critical levels following the repeated failures to adhere to the power outage schedule released by the Electricity Company of Havana (EELH).
Despite the publication of informational notes through its social media and official channels, citizens report early blackouts, unexpected extensions of outages, and an uneven distribution of the impacts.
The blackouts, which were supposed to follow established time blocks and have already been harmful, have been altered without prior notice, increasing the frustration and anger of users troubled by the energy poverty in which they are living.
Clientes del bloque 4, for example, reported outages at 9:00 a.m., despite the schedule indicating a start time of 10:00 a.m. "Why do they put up a schedule if they don't follow it?", a frustrated user asked, reflecting the general sentiment.
Recurring complaints: Improvisation and lack of respect
Among the comments most frequently noted is a sentiment of abandonment and disrespect towards citizens. "They do not help, they do not respect, it’s as if they were playing with the mental stability of the people," wrote a person from Havana. Another also expressed frustration: "One organizes to wash, cook, and you change everything at your whim."
A user went further, pointing out favoritism in the distribution of blackouts: "There are circuits where the power is never cut because there are small and medium enterprises owned by important figures." Opinions like hers, supported by dozens of comments, suggest preferential treatment that fuels a sense of inequality.
Daily consequences: Stress, spoiled food, and misinformation
Several users lamented that the unexpected changes in schedules are affecting basic activities such as cooking or ensuring a good night's rest. "No gas, no electricity, no water… this is every person for themselves", exclaimed one affected individual.
Others reported the impact on families with young children: "There are children here, and without electricity, we can't cook for them". The failure to adhere to the schedule has also caused damage to appliances due to constant interruptions in the power supply, as warned by a customer of EELH: "They are going to break the equipment; the power comes and goes suddenly".
The company's use of Telegram, X, and Facebook to keep the public informed has not managed to quell the discontent. Many users criticized that the messages on Telegram "do not correspond with what is happening in reality", creating even more confusion.
They demand equality and transparency
Critics also highlight the lack of fairness in the impacts. In this regard, a user emphasized: "Except for the privileged, where there are companies, hospitals, and essential small and medium enterprises, they don’t know what a blackout is". Another added: "Block 2 is the leading block… always out during the worst hours".
The lack of convincing explanations for the constant changes was also a subject of protest. "What is the emergency? Why is it always on weekends?", asked a woman from Havana, while another criticized: "They disrupt all the schedules, even those of cultural institutions."
A tired and skeptical people
The general sentiment is one of extreme fatigue. "We are stubborn, tired of being lied to," summarized a social media user. Other comments reflected a deep sense of hopelessness: "There are no laws, no rights, no respect for the people".
Meanwhile, social media continues to be flooded with complaints, but also with skepticism about whether the authorities will take effective measures. "It's getting worse. The only thing that increases is the deficit of respect.", wrote someone aggrieved by the state-owned company.
Thus, amidst frustration, helplessness, and anger, Havana experiences days of unpredictable blackouts, where the lack of electricity becomes a metaphor for widespread disillusionment.
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