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The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) denied that a new three-day blackout will occur starting this Friday.
The company stated that it is a false news report and assured that the National Electric System (SEN) is currently stable.
"FALSE. This information is false. The National Electric System is stable, and therefore, no 'energy emergency' has been declared," the company states on Facebook.
"Once again, there is a failed attempt to sow misinformation among the population," emphasizes the post.
It is the government's response to information circulating via WhatsApp, warning consumers of a new service interruption, just two days after the country experienced a massive blackout, the fifth in less than a year.
"We inform you that the situation in the National Electric System is critical, which is why, after a lengthy analysis among the National Load Dispatch, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and the Council of Ministers, we have decided to declare an Energy Emergency for the next 72 hours starting at 12 AM on September 12," details the false information.
"This means that the majority of circuits across the country will remain off, except for those deemed strategically important (civil, military, economic). The circuits currently powered will approximately shut down around 12 a.m," he concludes.
The official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso also shared the rebuttal on his Facebook.
"False information is circulating about a supposed three-day blackout planned by the Electric Union. The impacts from the deficits are significant, but there is no plan to shut down the country for 72 hours," he said.
The regime, fearful of public discontent and its potential consequences, has addressed the rumor through every possible means.
"Critical moments like those experienced during the recent disconnection of the SEN are used to undermine the level of information among our population, as there is currently no 'energy emergency'," stated the Electric Company of Havana, which urged its users to stay informed through its official channels.
The false news references the so-called "special electrical contingency regime," which includes planned power outages lasting more than 72 hours in the event that the SEN is unable to meet the electrical demand.
It concerns the "state of exception" regulated by Decree 110 of November 2024, which, like the usual "states of alarm, exception, and siege" in the constitutions of other countries, grants exceptional powers to authorities to address extraordinary and serious situations.
It is a regulatory framework approved by the Cuban government that strengthens measures to control energy use amidst the current crisis affecting the Island.
Through Decree 110, the Minister of Energy and Mines has the authority to propose this special framework to the Council of Ministers, who must approve or reject it within 48 hours.
Once approved, notification will be made within 24 hours to the central government agencies, provincial governments, and economic actors in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Situation in Cuba
Is it true that there will be a three-day blackout in Cuba?
No, it is false that there will be a three-day blackout in Cuba. The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has denied these rumors, stating that the National Electric System (SEN) is stable and that an energy emergency has not been declared. These rumors are baseless and seek to create misinformation among the population.
Why are rumors circulating about massive blackouts in Cuba?
Rumors about widespread blackouts in Cuba are often spread on social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp. These alarming messages arise in the context of an energy crisis in the country, where blackouts have been frequent due to deficits in electricity generation. The UNE and other authorities have clarified that such rumors are false and that citizens should only seek information through official channels.
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electrical system in Cuba is facing a critical situation with a deficit in energy generation. This has led to the implementation of scheduled blackouts to balance demand with the available capacity. Cuban authorities have put measures in place, such as temporary interruptions, to avoid a widespread collapse, but resource shortages and the aging electrical system are complicating the situation.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented a special electrical contingency regime. This regulatory framework, approved under Decree 110 in November 2024, allows for the planning of power outages in case the SEN cannot meet the demand. The measures include scheduled outages and the use of new energy sources such as solar parks, although these solutions have proven insufficient to cover the energy deficit.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely affects the daily lives of citizens. Prolonged blackouts impact food preservation, access to drinking water, and complicate studying and working. The lack of electricity also exacerbates problems in the health sector and increases social unrest, as the population must cope with frequent power outages in a hot tropical climate.
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