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After several hours of a general blackout this Wednesday, caused by a failure that disconnected the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, the service began to be partially restored in the Cuban capital, according to authorities.
The official media outlet Cubadebate reported that at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, three transmission substations came online, allowing for the operation of 23 distribution circuits, primarily in the municipalities of Guanabacoa, Arroyo Naranjo, and Boyeros.
The announcement represents a partial relief for thousands of Havana residents who had been without electricity since the previous night, although the restoration has not yet reached all areas.
Energás Boca de Jaruco has started, initiating the process of supplying energy to thermoelectric plants and substations. The SEN restoration process continues, announced the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
The Government insists that this is a "gradual" process and has urged the population to stay informed through official channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, ToDus, as well as through social media and the phone line 18888.
The service interruption, which affected the capital as well as the rest of the country, originated from the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, the largest in the country, whose collapse highlighted the fragility of the National Electric System.
Although the government insists that progress is being made in the restoration, the people of Havana face the uncertainty of not knowing when all the circuits of the city will return to normal.
The lack of transparency and the absence of clear information about the underlying causes of the blackout increase public distrust.
After the outage that left Cuba without electricity this Wednesday, the MINEM confirmed the creation of "microsystems" to ensure service in some objectives deemed vital.
Similarly, the Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, boasted that the government has a well-defined strategy to address the complete collapse of the SEN—not to prevent it—which occurred in the morning following the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas.
On the other hand, while millions of Cubans remain without power, the Ministry of Tourism issued a message directed at foreign visitors to convey "confidence and security."
The entity assured that "the majority of our hotels and tourist services are equipped with electric generators and the necessary resources to operate normally,” ensuring that tourism facilities will not be affected by the blackout.
The energy crisis, characterized by daily outages and the deterioration of generating plants, has created a climate of frustration among the population, which views each "gradual restoration" as a temporary fix rather than a structural solution.
While the authorities celebrate the reconnection of a few substations, ordinary Cubans continue to wait for a lasting solution to a problem that affects their daily lives and once again highlights the system's inability to provide a stable and reliable electrical service.
FAQ about the Electric Restoration in Havana
Why did the blackout occur in Havana?
The blackout in Havana was caused by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, which revealed the fragility of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN). This event is part of a series of recurring issues in the country's electrical infrastructure, affected by obsolescence and a lack of proper maintenance.
How is the restoration of the electrical service progressing?
The restoration of electricity service in Havana is progressing gradually, starting with the energization of some substations and circuits in specific municipalities such as Guanabacoa, Arroyo Naranjo, and Boyeros. However, a large part of the city and the country remain without service, highlighting a slow process and uncertainty about when full normalcy will be achieved.
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 paralysis in public transportation, cancellation of classes, and disruptions to hospitals and businesses. The lack of electricity also hinders normal access to basic services like drinking water and telecommunications, creating an atmosphere of frustration and uncertainty among the population.
What strategies is the Cuban government adopting to address the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government is adopting a strategy based on the creation of microsystems to supply energy to specific areas and vital centers, while attempting to restore generation at thermal power plants. However, these measures are viewed as temporary solutions and do not address the need for a deep renewal of the outdated energy infrastructure.
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