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While Miguel Díaz-Canel proclaims on social media the “record time recovery” of the National Electric System (SEN), thousands of Havana residents remain in the dark due to new failures in the city's electrical circuits.
In the Telegram group of the Havana Electric Company, users reported that power outages are affecting several neighborhoods in Havana del Este, Playa, and San Miguel del Padrón, contradicting the official enthusiasm regarding the supposed stability of the system.
According to the reports published by the company itself:
- In Habana del Este, areas 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and Micro 4 are experiencing power outages, as well as the neighborhoods of Soterrado Panamericanos, Camilo Cienfuegos, Villa Panamericana, Cojímar, and Guama Bahía.
- In San Miguel del Padrón, the areas affected were La Rosita, La Cumbre, Diezmero, Dolores, Tejas, Florida, and La Caridad.
- In the Playa municipality, the blackouts cover 42nd Street from 9th to 39A; 9th from 42nd to 76th; 25th from 26th to 42nd; 34th from 17th to 41st; and the La Sierra area.
The company explained that the outages are due to circuit failures, although it did not provide specific timelines for restoration.
The contrast with the official discourse
The new outages come just hours after Díaz-Canel assured that the SEN had been restored following the general blackout on Wednesday, the second national blackout of 2025 and the fifth in less than a year.
The ruler celebrated in X the work of the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Electric Union, once again blaming the United States embargo and the aging of Cuban plants.
But the contrast between the announcements of power and the reality that Cubans denounce could not be more evident, as the "record" of recovery translates, in the neighborhoods, into endless nights without electricity, spoiled food, children studying by the light of a lantern, and entire families resigned to a service that continues to fail.
A broken system that does not recover
Each new blackout confirms that the technical reconnection of the SEN does not mean stability for the population. What is seen as an achievement by the government is for Cubans a painful routine of living between promises of recovery and the certainty that the next outage is just around the corner.
While Havana remains in the dark due to "shots in the circuits," the true record is set by an obsolete electrical system that condemns the island to darkness and decay.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electricity Crisis in Havana and Cuba
Why are there frequent blackouts in Havana?
The power outages in Havana are due to failures in the electrical circuits and an outdated electrical system. Additionally, the electricity generation deficit exceeds 1,600 MW, leading to prolonged and frequent blackouts. The aging infrastructure and lack of investment exacerbate the situation, leaving citizens in the dark and with inconsistent services.
What does the Cuban government say about the recovery of the electrical system?
The Cuban government, through Miguel Díaz-Canel, has proclaimed a "record recovery" of the National Electric System (SEN) following the blackouts, but the reality is that many Cubans still remain without electricity. The official narrative often blames the U.S. embargo and the aging of power plants, but this contrasts with citizens' complaints about the lack of stability in the supply.
What are the main causes of the electrical collapse in Cuba?
The electrical collapse in Cuba is primarily due to failures in the thermoelectric plants, a lack of fuel, and outdated infrastructure. There are also issues with the maintenance of the plants and an excessive reliance on fossil fuels, which leads to a significant deficit in electricity generation and results in continuous blackouts.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily life of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of citizens. Prolonged blackouts lead to the loss of food, hinder children's education and adults' work, and cause health issues by disrupting the operation of medical equipment. Furthermore, the lack of electricity increases frustration and social discontent.
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