Manuel Marrero confirmed this Wednesday before the National Assembly what the entire country already knew and suffered daily: this summer was not going to be without blackouts.
Despite previous promises and announced plans to improve the situation of the electrical system, the prime minister publicly acknowledged that July has begun not only with blackouts but also that deficits have reached record levels.
"We also have the highest and deepest dissatisfaction in this regard, one of the issues that is most affecting our people," admitted Marrero, while explaining that although 1,000 megawatts had been recovered through the distributed generation system, the lack of fuel and logistical problems prevent that capacity from translating into available electricity for the population.
“We also have the highest and deepest dissatisfaction in this regard, one of the things that is most affecting our people,” said the Prime Minister, who added that they continue to work on finding solutions for the remainder of the summer, although he avoided providing details and mentioned that the Minister of Energy and Mines will give a more comprehensive report.
This last statement will surely present a series of justifications before the Cuban parliamentarians, knowing that, last May, it was assured that the population would only suffer 4 hours of blackouts daily during the summer.
For his part, the Minister of Economy and Planning, Joaquín Alonso Vázquez, confirmed that the country is facing a fuel deficit that restricts the operation and maintenance of the electric system, and he assured that the recovery of the national electrical system – even if it does not materialize – remains a strategic priority.
During the first half of the year, according to Alonso, 575 megawatts were recovered through repairs on fuel and diesel engines, as well as interventions in thermoelectric plants.
However, electricity generation continues to be below planned levels and those achieved in the same period of 2024, while demand has continued to rise, which maintains a significant deficit that "sensibly impacts the economy and the well-being of the population."
The Minister of Economy also reported that renewable energy sources account for 6.4% of the energy matrix, representing a growth of 1.9% compared to what was planned and 2.7% compared to the previous year.
He added that more than 10,000 home generation systems have been managed, which will soon be marketed with priority given to hard-to-reach communities and prioritized sectors.
Despite some supposed advances –more on paper than in reality– the Government acknowledges that during the second half of the year service interruptions will continue, as the country still lacks the necessary capacity to meet the entire demand.
This is compounded by the persistence of structural issues, such as the lack of resources for capital maintenance and the obsolescence of many power plants.
Regarding national energy production, the minister assured that the goal for equivalent oil production has been met, with a trend toward exceeding it in the second half of the year, even though this is not reflected in the prolonged blackouts suffered by the population.
A recovery in gas production has also been reported, which could improve in the fourth quarter thanks to agreements with foreign partners and the repair of wells.
The session this Wednesday in the Cuban Parliament revealed not only the government's failure to fulfill its promise of energy relief but also the limited capacity of the country to quickly reverse an electrical crisis that severely impacts the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why has the Cuban government been unable to fulfill its promise to reduce blackouts?
The Cuban government has been unable to fulfill its promise to reduce power outages due to a lack of fuel and logistical issues that hinder the generation of sufficient electricity. Despite having recovered 1,000 megawatts through the distributed generation system, this capacity has not translated into available electricity for the population, revealing the structural limitations of the energy system.
What are the factors contributing to the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to multiple factors, including the shortage of imported fuel, thermal plants under maintenance, increased electricity demand, and the deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure. These issues are exacerbated by the lack of resources for capital maintenance and the obsolescence of many power plants.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented several measures to address the electricity crisis, such as the construction of solar parks, the maintenance of thermoelectric plants, and the recovery of distributed generation. However, these initiatives have been insufficient to resolve the energy deficit, as they rely on the availability of fuels and financial resources that are scarce.
What is the impact of the energy crisis on the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans, affecting the supply of electricity essential for preserving food and ensuring the use of appliances. Prolonged and irregular blackouts, as well as the lack of gas for cooking, lead to a decline in quality of life and create increasing discomfort among the population.
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