In Las Tunas, just like in all of Cuba, the ongoing lack of electricity has made portable generators a common yet dangerous solution, as their improper use, fueled by misinformation and fear of theft, has resulted in fatalities due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Despite the tragedies that have occurred, warnings remain few and far between, and each blackout night turns into a silent roulette that threatens those who are simply trying to sleep with a light bulb on.
The official newspaper 26 mentioned the case of a citizen from Tunas named Elia, who after a long struggle to obtain her generator and the gasoline—“another obstacle on her path to 'civilization'”—installed it in a small enclosed patio, next to the window of the room where she sleeps.
Like many, he prioritized avoiding theft over preventing poisoning, but “no one warned him of the dangers associated with using portable generators that involve fossil fuels. It is true that they do not emit smoke, that there is no noticeable smell, but all of them, without exception, emit carbon monoxide as a result of the process, a substance known as the invisible killer,” the media outlet pointed out.
Ignorance about the danger is not isolated. In overcrowded neighborhoods, the misuse of these plants has become common. The fear of theft forces them to be placed close to homes, which exposes entire families—and their neighbors—to the risk of poisoning.
According to the source, Las Tunas has a sad history of poisoning from this gas that has caused immense suffering for several families.
He recalled that in August 2024, a 30-year-old Cuban and his just two-year-old daughter died in the municipality of Amancio, as a result of improper use of a generator.
The tragedy should have been enough to sound the alarms, but warnings remain sporadic and the problem is still underestimated.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the United States, the country from which many of these generators currently present in Cuba originate, is clear: always use them outdoors, at least six meters away from doors and windows, and never rely on fans to disperse the gas.
They also warn that a single generator can emit as much carbon monoxide as 450 cars, primarily affecting the brain and heart. The most evident symptoms include headaches, weakness, dizziness, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, and drowsiness. It can even cause brain damage or death before anyone realizes there is a problem.
The country is burdened by a pending debt in terms of prevention. The vulnerability of those who survived Covid-19, particularly the elderly, along with the high housing density, makes a serious response to this threat even more urgent.
"It is concerning that the alerts are not constant when health authorities are aware of the particularities of these 'times of darkness'... Facing the phenomenon with caution is about protecting the people we care about," stated 26.
But as long as information is scarce, lax surveillance and fear of theft prevail, the danger will continue to be felt with every blackout, often going unnoticed by many… until it is too late.
Since 2022, shipments of power generators to Cuba from the United States have increased, following the gradual rise in blackouts and the implementation of new regulations for non-commercial imports to the island by the General Customs of Cuba.
The importation of power plants to the island is a relevant issue given the deepening of the energy crisis in the country, which affects both the residential sector and businesses, including the private sector.
Recently, a group of residents from the Reparto Eléctrico in Havana had to take a private generator to the local polyclinic so that a patient could have an electrocardiogram, due to the complete absence of electricity, generators, and emergency resources.
In recent weeks, power outages in Cuba are experiencing an intensified crisis. The Electric Union (UNE) reported this Saturday, July 5, that the country faced disruptions in the electric service for 24 hours on Friday, with the highest recorded impact being 1685 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Use of Electric Generators in Cuba
Why is the use of portable generators dangerous in Cuba?
The improper use of portable generators can be deadly due to carbon monoxide emissions. This gas is odorless and colorless, and can cause poisoning and death when accumulated in enclosed spaces. In Cuba, misinformation and fear of theft lead many to install these generators near their homes, increasing the risk of poisoning.
What are the recommendations for the safe use of electric generators?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends always using generators outdoors, at least six meters away from doors and windows. You should never rely on fans to disperse carbon monoxide, as a single generator can emit as much gas as 450 cars.
What consequences has the misuse of generators had in Cuba?
The incorrect installation and use of portable generators has led to tragic incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting in the deaths of several citizens. Despite the fatal cases, warnings are scarce, and the problem continues to be underestimated by the authorities.
How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect the use of electric generators?
The energy crisis in Cuba has increased the use of portable generators in response to the frequent blackouts. These blackouts, which can last over 24 hours, force the population to seek alternatives for electricity, despite the associated risks.
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