Amidst a summer marked by power outages lasting up to 20 hours, the Electric Company of Las Tunas held the users themselves responsible for the collapse of the service, indicating that the use of air conditioners and electric stoves would be overloading the transformers in the province.
Anislei Santiesteban Velázquez, the technical director of the entity, told the local press that in coastal areas, where many go on vacation, numerous homes remain empty with their appliances running while their owners are at the beach, which he described as "unnecessary spending."
According to the official, this behavior causes "overload on the system" and damage to the transformers, which is why he urged the public to conserve and better distribute consumption, especially during peak hours.
However, the official discourse contrasts sharply with the reality faced by thousands of Cuban families. Instead of enjoying the climate control that promised a “summer with four hours of power outages”, as announced in May by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, Cubans have had to endure endless days of up to 20 hours without electricity. In many homes, air conditioning has become an unattainable luxury, and cooking with electricity poses a daily challenge due to the constant cuts.
The contradiction between official optimism and the real experience of the people has become unsustainable. On social media, outraged Cubans summarize the situation with phrases like: “More than an electrical failure, it's a political blackout.” For many, what is in crisis is not only the transformers in Las Tunas, but a model that is incapable of guaranteeing basic services.
Outrage also targets the heart of the Cuban economy. While the population is blamed for leaving an air conditioner running, journalistic investigations have documented that the military conglomerate GAESA controls over 18 billion dollars.
With just a fraction of those funds, it would be possible to repair thermoelectric plants, purchase fuel, and drastically reduce blackouts, but the money is allocated to luxury hotels like the Torre K23 in Havana, which consumes nearly 2 MW continuously.
This contradiction fuels the perception that the crisis is not technical, but political. Resources exist, but they are invested in tourism projects rather than in improving the daily lives of the population.
For the people of Tunero and for Cubans in general, the reality of the summer of 2025 is not about beaches with guaranteed electricity, but rather sleepless nights, spoiled food, and unbearable heat. While officials call for "savings" and blame household equipment use, most families feel that their patience is running out.
"This is not life, it's abuse", wrote a Cuban on social media. And in every comment, what is evident is the certainty that the darkness in Cuba is not solely due to the lack of electricity, but to the absence of a clear future.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electricity Crisis in Cuba
Why does the Electric Company of Las Tunas blame users for the blackouts?
The Electric Company of Las Tunas blames users because, according to its technical director, the excessive use of air conditioners and electric stoves would be overloading the transformers, especially in coastal areas. The technical director described these usages as "unnecessary consumption." However, many believe that the issue is not technical, but political, as resources are being allocated to tourism projects instead of improving the electrical system.
What is the current deficit of the Cuban electrical system?
The energy deficit in Cuba has remained above 1,700 MW in recent weeks. This has resulted in extended blackouts lasting over 20 hours in some provinces, reflecting an energy crisis that seems to have no short-term solution.
What are the main causes of the electricity crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the electrical crisis in Cuba include breakdowns in thermal units, lack of fuel, and a deteriorating generation system. Additionally, the scarcity of liquefied gas forces many to use electricity for cooking, increasing demand on an already overloaded system.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to justify the prolonged blackouts with promises of improvement that have not been fulfilled. They have not provided effective structural solutions, and the population continues to endure widespread blackouts. Furthermore, investments in tourism have been prioritized over enhancing electricity infrastructure.
Filed under:
