The energy crisis in Cuba has unleashed an unprecedented wave of public outrage. Power outages, which in some areas of the country already exceed 24 consecutive hours, have pushed the population to the brink of physical and emotional exhaustion.
Meanwhile, the regime continues to repeat unfulfilled promises and technical figures that do not ease the citizens' desperation.
The Electric Union (UNE) confirmed in its official report this Wednesday that yesterday the service was affected for 24 hours, with figures far above those anticipated, and forecasted a peak hour impact of 1729 MW for today.
The post by UNE on Facebook sparked a torrent of furious comments from people across all provinces.
From Camagüey, a user wrote: "Four years already in this martyrdom, and by the looks of it, we will add several more... The blackout pandemic has surpassed that of COVID-19. No strategy solves anything; the unhappiness of the ordinary Cuban takes hold of our souls."
In Cienfuegos, the situation is also critical. "Blackouts lasting 24 hours, this has gotten out of control... Worse than it was before. This is chaos," reported another citizen.
In the municipality of Palmira, electricity has been absent for 25 consecutive hours. "For God's sake, death is coming for me and I don't see any improvement," a young woman wrote.
In Bayamo, residents report days when they barely have one or two hours of electricity. "How long, my son? Is this ever going to end?" complained an exhausted person.
The harshest criticisms target the Government and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) directly. "Immediate resignation for the Minister of Energy and Mines due to his failed strategy for the recovery of the SEN; his incompetence is increasing the suffering of an entire nation. Enough already," demanded another comment.
The testimonies portray a population completely overwhelmed. In Villa Clara, power outages reach up to 19 hours a day.
The indignation also takes on a tone of despair: "We keep rising, what a disgusting government that can't even guarantee the energy of a country... people are running out of strength to move forward."
The official narrative, rife with euphemisms and technical jargon, contrasts sharply with the reality faced by millions of Cubans.
"We are being killed like dogs," declared a Cuban from Campechuela. The phrase, although shocking, encapsulates the widespread feeling of abandonment and helplessness in the face of a government that has lost either the capacity or the will to provide concrete answers.
While speeches and empty promises multiply from those in power, the popular outcry demanding real solutions, transparency, and accountability is rising.
As one of the many outraged citizens summarized: "This country is a disaster."
A crisis that extends over time
At the end of May, the government announced that power outages will continue through July and August, as it lacks structural solutions to the crisis.
The cause, according to the MINEM, is the combination of a lack of imported fuel, thermal plants undergoing maintenance, increased demand, and the deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure.
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the electricity director of the organization, explained that the estimated availability for the summer will be just 1,935 MW, compared to a demand that could reach 3,500 MW, resulting in a deficit of more than 1,500 MW.
This means daily power outages of at least four hours per customer, although in practice, these cuts often extend much longer.
That goal of reducing the outages to an average of four hours per day will only be achievable if generation is increased by 13 GWh and the growth in consumption is controlled.
The government's hope is the reintegration of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant, with a contribution of 158 MW, which would help meet the high traditional demand of the summer season.
However, the opposing factors are not few: for example, the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) forces many households to cook with electricity, increasing consumption.
According to experts, when power is restored after an outage, the simultaneous connection of multiple devices creates a surge of current that can be up to 15 times higher than normal consumption, leading to the failure of transformers already damaged by overuse.
There are also promises of "deeper" (though not major) maintenance for thermoelectric plants, as well as the recovery of some distributed generation engines, depending on the arrival of diesel, all of which is planned before the summer.
In this regard, it was announced that Guiteras (Matanzas) and Felton 1 (Holguín) will need to go out of service before summer, as part of urgent maintenance work to prevent major breakdowns during the months of highest demand.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What are the main causes of prolonged blackouts in Cuba?
The main causes of blackouts in Cuba are the deficit in electric generation, breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, and the lack of fuel. The deterioration of facilities, lack of maintenance, and absence of significant investments have exacerbated the problem. Furthermore, solar energy generation remains insufficient to meet national demand.
What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts severely impact the quality of life for Cubans, causing physical and emotional exhaustion. The constant interruptions make essential daily activities such as cooking, preserving food, and getting adequate rest difficult. Furthermore, the lack of electricity exacerbates health problems and profoundly affects both household and national economies.
What is the Cuban government's response to the energy crisis?
The response from the Cuban government has been insufficient, with unmet promises and a lack of effective solutions. The Electric Union (UNE) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines have faced criticism for their inability to resolve the crisis. Citizens express distrust and frustration over the lack of transparency and political accountability.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
The Cuban government has sought to promote the use of solar energy, but these efforts have been insufficient. There have been no structural solutions or significant investment plans presented to improve the energy infrastructure. The population continues to demand structural changes and more efficient management of energy resources.
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