The Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel congratulated workers at the "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" Thermoelectric Power Plant in Cienfuegos this Friday, following a failed maintenance of the facility.
Despite being under maintenance and costly repairs for almost five months, Unit 3 was synchronized to the National Electric System (SEN) on May 1, and just four days later, the unit went offline again due to a leak in the boiler.
Nevertheless, the Cuban leader, during a tour of the facility, described the work of the technicians as "heroic."
"Today we visited the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos, which is currently providing maintenance to its Unit 4. We trust in the capabilities of its team, who have faced adversities and overcome them. The efforts of the workers in the electric sector are heroic," he wrote on his social media.
Hundreds of people criticized Díaz-Canel's cynicism and felt that the true heroism lies with the people who have to endure entire days without electricity.
"Truly, we should award the medal to the people, for enduring so much hardship in this life, for finding strength where there seems to be none, for walking an extra mile with lost hopes, for not letting themselves be swept away by the tide and for persevering. The people truly deserve more attention; it’s a shame that few are listening,” said an internet user.
"Heroism is what the people of Cienfuegos have to endure and withstand because of the incapable and mentally challenged individuals who govern this country, particularly the province of Cienfuegos," argued another person.
The CTE Céspedes unit had been disconnected in December 2024 to undergo major maintenance after reporting a series of technical failures that kept it offline from the SEN for several extended periods.
During the first months of 2025, the authorities reported —in dribs and drabs— on the progress of the work: hydraulic tests, safety valve inspections, system cleaning, and turbine flushing. The promised date for synchronization was postponed several times amid increasingly prolonged national blackouts.
With the CTE unit in Cienfuegos out of service for maintenance and others affected by breakdowns, the energy deficit has significantly increased in recent days.
For the peak night hours this Saturday, a maximum demand of 3,400 MW is expected, while availability would barely reach 1,900 MW. This results in a deficit of 1,500 MW and estimated impacts of 1,570 MW.
The official narrative insists that a solution is on the way. The leader Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged this week the "extreme seriousness" of the energy system and promised investments to restore capacity and modernize infrastructures.
However, the credibility of these promises is increasingly diminished. On the streets, discontent is growing. The public has begun to openly question the daily reports from the UNE, accusing them of concealing the true magnitude of the energy collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why does the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant continue to experience problems after its maintenance?
The Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant continues to face issues due to a leak in the boiler that arose just four days after its synchronization with the National Electric System (SEN). This incident reflects the structural collapse of the Cuban electrical system, worsened by outdated equipment and inefficient maintenance.
What does the Cuban population think about Díaz-Canel's statements regarding the energy crisis?
The Cuban population has reacted with criticism and skepticism to Díaz-Canel's statements, who regards the work of the technicians as "heroic." Many Cubans believe that the true heroism lies with the people, who must endure long hours without electricity and the government's unfulfilled promises.
What measures has the Cuban government promised to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised investments to modernize infrastructure and restore energy generation capacity. However, the credibility of these promises is questioned by the population, due to the lack of concrete results and the persistence of blackouts.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis severely impacts all aspects of daily life in Cuba. Prolonged blackouts hinder access to basic services such as drinking water, food refrigeration, and cooking facilities, increasing social discontent and the frustration of the population.
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