The government-affiliated journalist José Miguel Solís, specialized in electrical issues in Matanzas, reported on social media that he has been without electricity for 22 hours and 15 minutes and demanded fairness in the distribution of blackouts, asserting that during the Special Period, despite the long outages, “the schedule was followed.”
"Well, yes, 22 hours and 15 minutes today… We need to examine that.", he wrote in an initial post that ignited the debate about the current management of the electrical system.
Hours later, he expanded on his reflection and compared the current crisis to the 1990s: “It’s true that in the 90s, blackouts were planned meticulously, and while we experienced up to 20 hours or more, there was a climate of fairness, extreme collective reasoning, and timely explanations.”
In his analysis, he recalled that back then, even without technology, schedules were adhered to: “In the 90s, during the so-called Special Period, comparing those times to now, it was like a course to learn basic addition and subtraction. Today, we are tackling advanced mathematics and even doctoral studies. At that time, without computers, without cell phones, and using graph paper, the blackout schedule was maintained, which reached up to 18 hours. Moreover, the schedules were rotated and adhered to, and except for the prioritized circuits, everyone received the same."
The journalist criticized the current inequity and the lack of control: “Today, inequity is at its peak (and MIPYMES and TCP have nothing to do with it); today some receive up to 10 hours or more of electricity without being prioritized circuits, while others experience entire weeks with just two hours, and even shifts of 36 hours, not due to circuit interruptions, but by orders from someone in the Electric Company who makes that decision.”
He also questioned the lack of oversight: “If you want to verify, go to the records of the Cargo Office and check the MI1505 circuit (Reparto Iglesias). The questions I ask you, who are here to relieve the distress of the population and who swore to work for and on behalf of the people, do you check daily in this situation how and what happens with the distribution from the previous day? And what stands out the most is that there is no explanation for why.”
Finally, he suggested listening to the citizens: “It would be worthwhile to take the time to express opinions and make suggestions, because it is equally true that human work is not perfect, but it can be improved if it is naturally built on the foundation of collective experiences and knowledge in a climate of achievable equity.”
A country in darkness: Power outages and record blackouts
The complaint arises as the National Electric System (SEN) faces a critical crisis due to the outage of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest generating unit in the country, located in Matanzas.
The plant, which provides up to 220 MW, has experienced three serious breakdowns in July. Although it could synchronize in the coming hours, authorities have acknowledged that it will not operate under optimal conditions. The lack of major maintenance since its inauguration in 1989 has made Guiteras a vulnerable point in the system.
The electrical deficit exceeds 2,000 MW, leading to massive blackouts of up to 20 hours a day in several provinces.
Havana and the provinces: insufficient reorganization
In Havana, the electric company announced a redistribution of the power blocks to reduce disruptions, but in practice, power outages lasting over 10 hours persist, and in recent weeks, blackouts of up to 19 hours have been recorded.
In provinces such as Granma, Las Tunas, or Cienfuegos, the situation is even more dramatic: interruptions that exceed 24 hours and homes that only have electricity for one or two hours a day.
Rising discontent and official silence
While the government insists that it is seeking to "balance" the blackouts, complaints are multiplying on social media about spoiled food, lack of water, and extreme heat.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Matanzas, Cuba
Why does journalist José Miguel Solís criticize the management of blackouts in Matanzas?
José Miguel Solís criticizes the inequity in the distribution of blackouts and the lack of control in the current electricity system in Matanzas. He compared the current situation to that of the 90s, highlighting that, although there were also long blackouts during the Special Period, at least there was a fair and planned rotation system in place.
What is the current situation of the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant and its impact on the electricity crisis?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, located in Matanzas, is facing a series of breakdowns that prevent it from operating at full capacity, significantly contributing to the electricity deficit in Cuba. This plant, one of the main generators in the country, has been out of service multiple times, worsening the energy crisis and leading to widespread blackouts in several provinces.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Matanzas?
The Communist Party of Cuba in Matanzas has taken control of the electrical load dispatch to try to correct the inequality in the distribution of blackouts. However, these measures seem to be more propagandistic than effective, as the lack of transparency and the perception of favoritism continue to fuel social discontent. In addition, the Electric Company of Matanzas has implemented supply rotation schemes, which often prove to be inadequate.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of the people of Matanzas?
The people of Matanzas are facing prolonged blackouts that disrupt essential daily activities such as cooking, water supply, and the maintenance of electrical equipment. These power outages particularly impact the most vulnerable sectors, such as the elderly and individuals with chronic illnesses, and are causing increasing discomfort among the population due to the lack of effective short-term solutions.
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