The energy crisis has reached its peak in the municipality of Baracoa, in Guantánamo, where the population has been experiencing a total blackout since this Wednesday, which will last for the coming days.
In the already chronic debacle of the National Electric System (SEN), the announcement from the Basic Electric Organization (OBE) of the eastern municipality indicates that the critical situation will have no limits, and the coming hours, days..., and presumably weeks will be very bleak for the inhabitants of that region, as they will have very little access to electricity.
A brief statement on social media from the state-run company responsible for the electric service in Baracoa stated that "due to the generation deficit, it is impossible to fulfill the usual rotation of the blocks" in the blackout schedule.
According to the information, “the service will be established in the circuits with the longest outage times, for a period of two hours, if conditions allow.”
The entity stated that “at this time, only vital services, such as the hospital, are being ensured,” and warned that “this situation will continue for the coming days”, without specifying how many.
The notice did not take the residents of Baracoa by surprise, as they, like millions of Cubans, suffer every day from endless power outages that prevent them from carrying out basic activities, such as cooking, preserving food, and sleeping.
In the comments on the post, there was a prevailing sense of outrage, discontent, anguish, and resignation from many people in light of the grim situation, along with criticisms of the authorities for their ineptitude in addressing it.
“Tell the truth: the situation will progressively worsen until the municipality is left without services, because the harsh reality is that everything will go downhill and people will suffer from many shortages, including food, and the leaders, from the first to the last, remain insensitive to everything that is happening, only issuing threats to try to maintain control,” stated a father.
Further down, a teacher was conclusive: "This is already out of control."
"The little food that can be obtained, how is it preserved?" asked a young student, a concern shared by several citizens: "With just two hours of electricity, how do you think people are going to preserve food?"
"They will have to suspend classes and all work, what worker is at home to prepare some food for their children, elderly, and other family members in just two hours?" questioned another.
Overwhelmed by anger and impotence, some advocated for drastic "solutions": "They might as well just cut it off. This is why the country is in this state"; "They might as well remove it completely and stop charging for electricity. How much longer will the disrespect towards the people of Baracoa continue, they want to save on that municipality"; "Well, they should stop the power altogether, take down the wires to use the poles for firewood because there’s not even firewood available anymore"...
“Disrespect towards the people is what they are, they do not respect the people, they are killing us little by little and we remain with our arms crossed because it's all threats and threats, how long are they going to keep us like this,” a young mother protested.
“Your actions are beyond words, just leave and hand over the power, since really, what else could happen that we aren't already witnessing today?” demanded a man to the authorities.
“No make the people suffer any longer, how much longer, hand over the country to see if this suffering ends,” demanded another.
The eve marked a crucial point in the energy crisis that Cuba is experiencing, with the National Electric System once again on the brink of collapse. By Tuesday, the Electric Union (UNE) had forecasted an impact exceeding 1,700 MW. Citizen reports on social media confirmed the widespread blackout across the country, without defined schedules or clear responses from the regime's authorities.
The main causes of the problem include breakdowns at unit 3 of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric power plant and at unit 2 of the Felton power plant in Holguín; five units out of service for maintenance in Santa Cruz, Nuevitas, Cienfuegos, and Renté, as well as 289 MW inactive due to thermal limitations.
Although the 12 newly inaugurated solar parks generated 1,233 MW/h this Tuesday, such production remains marginal compared to an overwhelming national demand. Without a structural solution or sufficient investment in sight, power outages are no longer a contingency; they are the new normal.
This Wednesday, Cubans face yet another dreadful day, marked by unlimited and widespread blackouts across the island.
The UNE announced a maximum impact of up to 1,770 MW during peak nighttime hours, as a result of a severe generation deficit in the SEN. The estimated demand is 3,500 MW; however, the availability will only be 1,800 MW.
Meanwhile, the official discourse of the Cuban regime once again manipulates the people with the
The regime's goal for the summer is to reduce blackouts to an average of four hours per day per customer, increasing generation by 13 GWh and controlling the growth of consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Power Outages in Baracoa
Why is a total blackout occurring in Baracoa?
The total blackout in Baracoa is due to a deficit in electricity generation, which has caused the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) to be unable to meet the usual rotation of blocks in the blackout schedule. This situation is worsened by the lack of investment and maintenance in electrical infrastructure, leaving the population without electricity for days.
What are the consequences of power outages for the population of Baracoa?
Power outages severely impact the quality of life for residents of Baracoa, hindering essential activities such as cooking, preserving food, and sleeping. Moreover, only vital services, like the hospital, are ensured, which causes distress and frustration among the population due to the lack of effective responses from the authorities.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced a "gradual" strategy to restore the electrical system, aiming to reduce blackouts to an average of four hours per day per customer in the summer. However, the authorities themselves acknowledge that, in the short term, blackouts will not decrease due to a lack of investment and structural solutions.
What is the reaction of the citizens of Baracoa to the power outages?
The reaction of the citizens of Baracoa has been one of indignation and discontent. Through social media, they have expressed their frustration over the lack of solutions and the ineffective management by the authorities. Many are demanding radical changes and criticizing the government's inaction in the face of the energy crisis.
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