The province of Camagüey is experiencing one of the most severe stages of the current energy crisis, with such an unstable situation that the authorities have warned that a fixed schedule for power outages cannot be guaranteed, although “the aim is to fulfill a rotation of nine hours of outages, followed by three hours with electricity.”
The Expanded Energy Council announced in its most recent meeting that no circuit protection will be assumed and that institutions and companies must carry out their tasks during the hours they have electricity, “enhancing telework,”
This last point represents a clear contradiction to the new measures imposed by the telecommunications monopoly ETECSA, which limit internet access for the majority of Cubans and require that, once the meager allotted data package is used up, additional charges depend on plans with prohibitively high costs in CUP or foreign currency, while most of the population survives on Cuban pesos.
According to information shared by the official newspaper Adelante, the new measures in Camagüey go further: with the support of mass organizations, massive visits will be conducted to over 27,000 homes with no recorded consumption, in addition to 627 private businesses and 1,915 state entities.
Also, those that show high or suspicious consumption will be subject to inspection, with cross-analysis of the electricity bills to detect possible fraud.
The punishment will be clear: service will be cut off for anyone - whether state-owned or not - who exceeds their assigned plan. The duration of these cuts will be determined by each Municipal Energy Council.
According to the source, the governor of Camagüey, Jorge Sutil Sarabia, insisted that “electricity is a resource of the Cuban State that is subsidized for the population.”
"Despite purchasing the necessary fuel in dollars, the rates remain in the national currency. Therefore, we cannot have breaches of the plans of each state or private company," Sutil emphasized, who overlooked that citizens do not receive their income in foreign currencies and also did not mention the government's responsibility for the deterioration of the thermoelectric network and its maintenance.
In March 2024, a 25% increase in the price of kW/h for high consumers went into effect, meaning for those who spend over 500 kW/h monthly, and the government justified the decision as a measure “aimed at saving.”
The increase in the electricity rate for “large consumers” was part of the controversial package of economic measures announced by the Cuban regime to “correct distortions and revitalize the economy,” which included hikes in the prices of fuels, water, and gas, among others. These increases ultimately affected the prices of services and goods, including many necessities for Cubans.
The energy crisis in Cuba is worsening and plunging the population into new rounds of prolonged blackouts. The energy precariousness not only limits the quality of life, but also severely impacts the performance of hospitals, educational centers, businesses, and any economic activity.
In light of the lack of effective solutions and with summer approaching, it is expected that the electrical crisis will worsen, leading to new sources of social unrest and possible protests, similar to those that recently occurred in various parts of the country.
The number 3 unit of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos, remains out of service following a breakdown that occurred on Wednesday, just weeks after being synchronized with the national system. This unit is primarily responsible for frequency regulation for the western and eastern regions.
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel once again avoided self-criticism regarding the energy crisis affecting Cuba, justifying the blackouts by citing an increase in electricity consumption and stating that the government's strategies have been “correct,” even though their effects are not visible due to external causes, such as the lack of fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Camagüey and Cuba
What is the current energy situation in the province of Camagüey?
Camagüey is undergoing one of the most critical stages of the energy crisis, with prolonged blackouts and a lack of an organized rotation of the electricity supply. The population is facing overwhelming power outages, severely impacting the quality of life and the functioning of essential institutions such as hospitals and businesses.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
Authorities have implemented measures such as the increase of electricity rates for high consumers and the inspection of homes and businesses to detect irregular consumption. However, these actions have not succeeded in mitigating the impact of power outages, and no effective solutions have been presented to address the energy crisis in a comprehensive manner.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cuban citizens?
The energy crisis severely limits the quality of life for Cubans. Prolonged blackouts cause food loss due to lack of refrigeration, difficulties in cooking and resting, and negatively impact health by increasing the proliferation of mosquitoes and diseases. Moreover, the uncertainty regarding the electricity supply generates stress and despair among the population.
What has been the government's response to the criticism regarding the energy crisis?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has justified the blackouts by citing the increased electricity consumption and has stated that the government strategies are correct, even if their effects are not visible. However, it has not taken responsibility for the deterioration of the electrical infrastructure nor has it proposed concrete solutions to alleviate the current situation.
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