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The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel reappeared this Wednesday on his X account, after hours of silence during a new blackout that left the entire country in the dark, to assure that “hard work” is being done to reconnect the electrical system.
"Work is underway across the country to reconnect the national electrical system. Power is already being supplied to the thermoelectric plants to kickstart the entire process. Each province is taking its measures, as is already known how to do. Communication with our people has improved," wrote the president.
Silence in the midst of crisis
The publication came after Díaz-Canel was criticized for "disappearing" during the initial hours of the collapse, opting instead to write about the bombings in Gaza while millions of Cubans faced power outages and uncertainty. The contrast reignited public discontent over the leader's disconnect from internal issues.
Fifth national blackout in less than a year
Cuba experienced its fifth nationwide blackout this Wednesday in less than a year, highlighting the fragility of the National Electric System (SEN). The outage occurred at 9:14 AM when the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the most important in the country, unexpectedly went offline, resulting in a complete failure of the SEN.
The recent history is eloquent:
October 18, 2024: Widespread blackout due to a failure at Guiteras.
November 6, 2024: Total disconnection during the passage of Hurricane Rafael.
December 4, 2024: Another outage due to a malfunction at Guiteras.
March 14, 2025: Collapse due to a failure at the Diezmero substation in Havana.
September 10, 2025: Last nationwide blackout following the unexpected departure of the Guiteras.
Just a few days earlier, on September 7, another outage left the eastern provinces from Las Tunas to Guantánamo without electricity, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of massive blackouts.
A collapsed system
The UNE (Cuban Electric Union) has acknowledged that most of the plants in the country have been in operation for over 40 years without capital maintenance, with obsolete infrastructure, a fuel shortage, and minimal investment. The energy crisis has become a structural problem that affects the daily lives of Cubans and which the government has been unable to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Díaz-Canel's Management
How many nationwide blackouts has Cuba experienced in the past year?
Cuba has experienced five widespread blackouts in less than a year. These events reflect the fragility of the National Electric System (SEN) and the regime's inability to resolve a crisis that impacts the daily lives of millions of people.
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
The main cause of the blackouts is the obsolescence and lack of maintenance of the thermoelectric plants, especially the Antonio Guiteras, which has been out of the system multiple times. The aging infrastructure and fuel shortage worsen the situation.
What measures has the Cuban government announced to mitigate the electricity crisis?
The government has announced projects for solar energy and battery systems, although these contrast with the reality of power outages and the reliance on outdated thermal plants. Repair and maintenance plans for the thermoelectric plants have also been mentioned, but no significant improvements have been observed.
How has the Cuban population reacted to Díaz-Canel's management during the blackouts?
The population has reacted with outrage and criticism towards Díaz-Canel, accusing him of insensitivity and being out of touch with real problems. Many Cubans express their frustration on social media, questioning the lack of effective solutions and the regime's disconnection from the people's reality.
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