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After the national blackout that left all of Cuba without electricity this Wednesday, the government requested that the population disconnect appliances and wait before reconnecting them, warning that the restoration of service could be unstable and cause damage to equipment.
On Facebook, the group close to the regime “Soy Villa Clara” spread recommendations to the public:
Unplug all electrical appliances during the outage.
Wait several minutes before reconnecting them when the electricity returns.
Connect them one by one to avoid overloads.
Refrain from using them if you notice voltage fluctuations, until the service stabilizes.
An energy crisis without a solution
La Unión Eléctrica (UNE) explained that the system failure was caused by the unexpected shutdown of the CTE Antonio Guiteras, the same reason behind previous massive blackouts. The day had already forecast an impact of 1,790 MW, reflecting the deep generation deficit.
This blackout is the second national power outage of 2025, following the one recorded in March due to a malfunction at the Diezmero substation. Just a few days earlier, the eastern region had been left completely in the dark.
Roots of Collapse
The authorities acknowledge that many thermal power plants have been in operation for over 40 years without receiving the necessary capital maintenance. This is compounded by technological obsolescence, fuel shortages, and a lack of investment, factors that have turned blackouts into a routine for millions of Cubans.
The population, affected by instability, faces not only the lack of electricity but also the risk of losing their appliances due to a system that, rather than stabilizing, shows signs of structural collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of blackouts in Cuba?
The main cause of power outages in Cuba is the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, one of the largest and most important in the country, coupled with the aging and lack of maintenance of thermal plants. This is exacerbated by the fuel shortage and the lack of investment in the electrical system.
What recommendations has the Cuban government given following the general blackout?
The Cuban government has advised the population to disconnect appliances during power outages, wait several minutes before reconnecting them once electricity returns, plug in devices one at a time to prevent overloading, and refrain from using them if voltage fluctuations are detected.
What impact does the energy crisis have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of citizens, causing food loss due to lack of refrigeration, disruptions in access to water and communication, and unbearable heat conditions. Furthermore, it generates deep frustration and distrust in the government's ability to resolve the issue.
Are there short-term solutions to the energy crisis in Cuba?
There are no clear short-term solutions for the energy crisis in Cuba. Although the government mentions solar energy projects and battery systems, the reality is that the electrical system remains dependent on obsolete thermal plants with no replacement parts, making it difficult to quickly improve the situation.
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