The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged in an interview with Brazilian journalist Breno Altman what Cubans have been suffering for years: the national electrical system is experiencing a critical situation.
In his words, conveyed through the official YouTube channel of the Presidency of Cuba, the country's energy infrastructure is “technologically outdated,” with thermoelectric plants that have already exceeded their useful life and lacking proper maintenance due, he stated, to the worsening of the U.S. embargo.
“We have a fundamental base of electricity generation, which consists of Cuban thermoelectric plants that are 40 years old; almost all have reached the end of their useful life. They operate through the intelligence of our technicians, but without investments or maintenance,” acknowledged the president.
The constant power outages, which have led to popular protests and widespread discontent both on and off the island, have become a routine part of daily life for Cubans.
Although Díaz-Canel asserts that there is a “strategy” to resolve the crisis, he also acknowledged that the problems go beyond the embargo: investment is lacking, financing has been poorly managed, there are technical and operational errors, and economic measures have been applied that “have not had all the possible impact”.
In the interview, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the energy deficit is linked to a chain of factors: from the lack of imported fuel to the shutdown of plants due to a lack of spare parts. “We have not been able to grow in thermal generation. We have not had fuel oil or diesel for the distributed generation plants,” he said.
The result: prolonged blackouts, a shortage of refrigerated food, impacts on hospitals, school interruptions, and a social strain that deepens the migration crisis.
Even so, the leader insists that the United States blockade is the primary cause of the shortages, despite also acknowledging internal errors and management failures.
“It would be dishonest to say that mistakes have not been made. We have not always been efficient or rational in the use of the few available resources,” he acknowledged.
Justifications, omissions, and resignation
Although the interview aims to project an image of national resilience and dignity, Díaz-Canel's responses to questions about daily reality in Cuba focused almost exclusively on blaming external factors.
The leader mentioned everything from hurricanes to climate change, along with the pandemic and the decline in tourism, as exacerbating factors of a situation that, according to him, can only be resolved through socialism.
He also criticized the exodus of professionals and acknowledged the impact on key sectors such as health and education, although he did not present immediate solutions. "We are lacking medications, health indicators such as infant mortality have deteriorated, but we do not renounce our social achievements," he said.
About the increase in mobile phone rates and internet access, which has led to recent student protests, Díaz-Canel claimed that it was an "unpopular but necessary decision" to prevent the collapse of the telecommunications system.
“We made mistakes in communicating the measure, we acknowledge that. But without foreign currency income, there are no gigabytes for anyone,” he stated.
Is there a solution?
The leader announced investments in renewable energy and the repair of plants, although he acknowledged that their effects will not be seen immediately. He promised 1,000 MW in renewable capacity by the end of the year, but did not specify how or with what funding these plans will be realized, amidst an increasingly restrictive economic and financial landscape.
Meanwhile, the Cuban population continues to live in the dark, not just literally but also informationally. With little transparency regarding state spending priorities, rising prices, stagnant wages, and no access to legal opposition or independent media within the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current state of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electrical system in Cuba is in a critical state, with outdated infrastructure and a lack of adequate maintenance. This situation has led to prolonged blackouts that severely impact the daily lives of the population.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The main causes of blackouts in Cuba are the lack of foreign currency, inadequate maintenance of electrical infrastructure, and fuel shortages. These challenges have resulted in a significant deficit in electricity generation capacity.
What measures has the Cuban government announced to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced a plan for the recovery of the energy sector, which includes the modernization of thermoelectric plants and an increase in renewable generation capacity through photovoltaic parks. However, these promises have been met with skepticism by the population, who doubts their effectiveness in the short term.
How are blackouts affecting the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts are severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans, interrupting essential services such as electricity, water, and healthcare. This situation has led to growing discontent and protests in various regions of the country.
What role do renewable energies play in solving the Cuban energy crisis?
Renewable energies play a limited role in solving Cuba's energy crisis, currently representing only 4% of the electricity generated in the country. Although the government has announced expansion plans in this sector, the lack of adequate investment and outdated infrastructure hinder significant progress in the short term.
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