Frustration over power outages has intensified in Havana, where blackouts have become longer, more erratic, and more frequent. The population is facing increasing difficulties in preserving food, getting rest at night, or studying, amidst rising temperatures and without any prospects for improvement.
Indignation was strongly reflected in the comments on the official profile of the Electric Company of Havana, where reports were published claiming that certain blocks were not affected in the early hours of Wednesday. Many users categorically denied this: "That's a lie, there was a blackout at that time. In my area, we were without power from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.", wrote one. Another stated: "They're pulling our leg, they say they didn't cut the power and here I am with the refrigerator thawed."
The messages indicate a complete lack of coherence between what was announced and what is being experienced: "One no longer knows what to believe, the schedules change every day and no one provides a clear explanation", "They cut off the power at 10:00 p.m. and it was 2:30 a.m. and the blackout was still ongoing", "This is a joke, we're going to be overwhelmed here".
Several residents reported that some blocks have been affected up to three times in a single day, without prior notice or technical explanation. “Block 2 has been without power since morning, and now they turn it off again without it being on the schedule”, stated one person. “They restored the power, and ten minutes later, they cut it off again. This is how the equipment gets damaged”, warned another.
In response to the criticism, the Electric Company of Havana stated that the capital's system consists of 285 circuits, 112 of which are affected, distributed across five blocks. "The remainder continues to provide service because they act as stabilizers of the SEN or ensure electricity to vital centers such as hospitals, water supply sources, or underground areas that cannot withstand prolonged interruptions,” the entity pointed out.
Discontent in the capital arises following the implementation this week of a new blackout schedule that doubles the usual duration of outages. According to the new plan shared on social media, blackouts can now last up to eight hours a day and include early morning hours, which signifies a setback compared to previous weeks, when outages did not exceed four hours per block and ended at midnight.
The reports from the Unión Eléctrica indicate that the conditions of the National Electric System have worsened. On July 2, a maximum outage of 1,672 MW was recorded during the night peak, and it was estimated that throughout the day the deficit could exceed 1,500 MW. That day, the electric service remained interrupted for 24 hours, including the early hours of Wednesday.
In addition to the situation in Havana, in other provinces, power outages can last more than a full day. Residents in Camagüey, Bayamo, Cienfuegos, and Villa Clara have reported outages lasting between 24 and 40 consecutive hours, directly affecting health, rest, and food preparation.
While official explanations insist on technical causes such as fuel shortages, plant maintenance, and transformer failures, the perception on the streets is different: the situation is worsening, and power outages have become an inseparable part of daily life.
Electricity, essential for daily life, has become one of the most critical points of the country's economic decline. Although the authorities assure that the disruptions are made equitably and call on people to follow "official channels," more and more citizens are questioning the handling of the issue and the lack of short-term solutions.
Frequently asked questions about blackouts in Havana
Why have blackouts increased in Havana?
The increase in blackouts in Havana is due to a deficit in electricity generation in the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), exacerbated by the deterioration of infrastructure, fuel shortages, and breakdowns in thermoelectric plants. The situation has intensified with outages that can now last up to eight hours daily, severely impacting the daily lives of citizens.
How does the lack of electricity affect the people of Havana?
The lack of electricity in Havana affects the residents in multiple ways: it hinders proper food preservation, disrupts nighttime rest, and complicates everyday activities such as studying and working. Furthermore, the constant service interruptions can damage appliances and impact households with young children, the elderly, or the sick.
What does the Electric Company of Havana say about the power outages?
The Electric Company of Havana has declared that blackouts are an emergency measure to balance the generation deficit in the SEN and that the outages are imposed fairly among the different blocks. However, many citizens report a lack of coherence and transparency in the management of the power cuts.
What solutions have been proposed for the energy crisis in Cuba?
The authorities have attempted to promote the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, but the results have been minimal in the face of the structural collapse of the system. The lack of investment in infrastructure and the dependence on fossil fuels continue to be significant obstacles to effectively resolving the energy crisis.
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