The Cuban regime celebrates this Saturday the Popular Exercise of Actions in Disaster Situations, Meteor 2025, with a lavish display of electricity and air conditioning, while the country is experiencing a significant energy deficit.
Presided over by the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who heads the National Defense Council, in Havana and in the other Cuban provinces, the Defense Councils are organizing meetings in government offices, where air conditioning and televisions for video conference transmissions are always present.
In Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba, in the capital of the country and other territories, officials participate, in air-conditioned rooms, in an activity classified by the regime as "essential for the preparation of leadership and command bodies, and the population."
In the exercise, there was also an abundance of technology. From the headquarters of the National Civil Defense General Staff in Havana, Major General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of that entity, communicated via videoconference with provincial authorities. The sessions proceeded without interruptions and in complete comfort, shielded from the heat and everyday problems.
The event did not go unnoticed by Cubans who are facing a generation deficit of nearly 1,600 MW following the outage of the thermoelectric Antonio Guiteras.
The air conditioning is on, the lights are bright, there is no shortage, not for the government; there's no need to creatively resist and all the nonsense they talk in the ridiculous meetings, for the people, yes; for the leaders, no. It is true that there is a blockade, but it is Siboney against the people," denounced an internet user.
"That's how it is in Cuba, and it's always the fault of the blockade but I'm going to believe in the saying that no evil lasts a hundred years nor can any body endure it. This has to end someday," replied another.
The blackouts severely impact the daily life of Cubans, affecting both domestic activities and basic services, as well as family finances.
Electricity outages lead to a lack of access to water, spoilage of refrigerated food and medicines, disruptions in transportation and public services, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and desperation among the population.
Currently, three thermoelectric units are out of service due to malfunctions: the unit at the Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, unit 5 at the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Plant, and unit 2 at the Felton Thermoelectric Plant. Nevertheless, the regime has launched its annual exercise Meteoro and claims to have electricity to carry it out.
Currently, the situation is critical in distributed generation. A total of 47 plants are out of service due to lack of fuel, resulting in a loss of 369 MW. Additionally, 86 MW are inactive due to lack of oil, and another 64 MW are down in the Melones area, totaling 519 MW unavailable in this segment.
With that scenario, it is estimated that during peak demand hours this Saturday, there will be an impact of 1,570 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why has Exercise Meteoro 2025 generated criticism in Cuba?
The Meteor Exercise 2025 has generated criticism due to the waste of electricity and air conditioning amid an energy crisis. While the Cuban regime boasts about energy resources for this event, the population endures prolonged blackouts and a severe shortage of electricity, which has caused outrage among citizens who view these actions as a demonstration of insensitivity on the part of the government.
What is the current state of the electrical system in Cuba?
The situation of the electric system in Cuba is critical, with a generation deficit of nearly 1,600 MW. Several thermoelectric plants, such as Antonio Guiteras, are out of service, leading to widespread blackouts across the island. The lack of maintenance, obsolescence of the infrastructure, and fuel shortages exacerbate the situation, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised to work on the recovery of the electrical system, but the solutions have been insufficient. Despite attempts to implement "micro-systems" and acquire fuels, the lack of a clear and efficient strategy remains evident. Promises of future improvements have not managed to alleviate the discontent of the population, which demands concrete and effective solutions.
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