Unit 3 of the Ernesto Che Guevara Thermal Power Plant, located in Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque, was reconnected to the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) on Tuesday after completing light maintenance work, as reported by Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) on the same day.
Although the online entry of this unit represents an improvement to the energy crisis affecting the island, which has worsened in recent months, many Cubans question with skepticism whether this will have any real impact on the energy crisis the country is experiencing.
After the announcement on Facebook, the reactions in the comments section have mostly been indifference or distrust, reflecting the frustration of a population that has stopped believing in the regime's promises regarding the recovery of the electrical system.
The public response to the announcement of the synchronization has been a reflection of the accumulated disillusionment and frustration.
“More blackouts or fewer blackouts? Spoiled food. Children, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals going without a bite to eat and unable to sleep,” wrote Reynaldo Pita, expressing the direct impact that the electrical crisis has on the daily lives of millions of Cubans.
Other users questioned the lack of fairness in the distribution of energy and the official narrative. “This is not something important for Granma; no matter who comes or goes, the impact is always the same,” commented Yaimi Casi Macía, while Yoli Rosales pointed out: “Effort and more electricity for the people of Havana; in the other provinces of the country, the Electric Union UNE does not exist... regionalist abusers.”
In that same critical vein, Bobby Cabanas stated: “Do not celebrate the commissioning of the thermoelectric plants as achievements when we all know the disaster of the UNE. A company that should be selling electricity generation is actually reducing it.”
Far from generating optimism, the news has been received with irony or disbelief. “Well, it should be ready by this summer, right?” commented sarcastically Odalys Domínguez, while María Cobas merely contrasted the official report with her own experience: “So, how is it that we’ve been experiencing a blackout since this morning?”
From different provinces of the country, the complaints reflect a constant: the disconnection between what is announced and what is actually experienced.
In Ciego de Ávila, Marianny Pérez reported blackouts lasting "10 to 12 hours" and stated that all they have are "dim lights that don't even suffice to charge rechargeable devices."
On his part, Juan Antonio Roque questioned the real contribution of the newly synchronized unit: “Sixth-grade math: if the deficit is above 1,500 MW, then what will the less than 100 MW contributed by that thermoelectric plant represent?”
Some citizens also expressed concern about the durability of these units: “If the one in Cienfuegos, with a thorough maintenance cycle of six months, lasted less than a week, how many hours will this one last?” wrote Cecilia Ugalde Fariñas.
In that same tone, Idania Ramírez Rodríguez asked if “we will realize, even a little, that another unit has entered, or if it will once again leave immediately, as has happened so many times.”
Publi Cidad summarized the general sentiment: “No matter what they say, nothing is going to improve.”
In this regard, the Cuban government announced that blackouts will continue throughout July and August, amid an energy crisis that is worsening and with no structural solutions in sight.
The confirmation comes in an article published by the state-run newspaper Trabajadores, which, far from providing hope, reveals the regime's inability to ensure a stable electricity service for the population.
The official recognition that the disruptions will not cease is an admission of failure. The cause, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), is a combination of the lack of imported fuel, electric plants under maintenance, increased demand, and the deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure.
According to Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the general director of electricity for the organization, the estimated availability for the upcoming months will be only 1,935 MW, against a demand that could reach 3,500 MW, resulting in a deficit of over 1,500 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What does the synchronization of Unit 3 of the CTE in Santa Cruz mean for the energy crisis in Cuba?
The synchronization of Unit 3 of the CTE in Santa Cruz to the National Electroenergy System (SEN) represents a slight improvement in electric generation capacity, but it is not enough to resolve the energy crisis facing Cuba. Despite this attempt to improve the situation, the population continues to experience prolonged blackouts and distrust towards the regime's promises.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the recent measures by the government to improve the electricity supply?
The reaction of the Cuban population has been one of skepticism, indifference, and distrust. Many Cubans do not believe that the synchronization of thermoelectric units will have a real impact on improving the electricity supply, and they feel frustrated by the lack of effective and structural solutions from the government.
What is the main cause of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of a lack of imported fuel, breakdowns in thermal plants, an increase in demand, and deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure. This situation has resulted in a significant deficit in energy generation, reaching over 1,500 MW during peak hours.
Why is the distribution of electricity in Cuba perceived as unequal?
Many Cubans perceive inequality in the distribution of electricity, arguing that Havana receives preferential treatment. While some provinces endure prolonged blackouts, there are fewer and shorter outages reported in the capital, which fuels a sense of injustice among the citizens.
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