Cuban regime blames the U.S. for the "harsh reality" in the energy industry

The Cuban regime once again blamed the United States government for the collapse of the national energy infrastructure, this time through a post by high-ranking communist leader Roberto Morales Ojeda, who pointed to the embargo as the main cause of the operational difficulties of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant in Matanzas.

In a message posted on Facebook, the Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) shared an article from the official newspaper Granma, calling it a “clear and necessary X-ray” of what he termed a “harsh reality” imposed by U.S. sanctions.

"The economic, commercial, and financial blockade is the main responsible party for the difficulties in the operation and development" of the Termoeléctrica Guiteras, stated Morales Ojeda, quoting remarks from the plant's general director, one of the most affected in the country.

According to the official, the impacts began in 2015 when the American General Electric acquired the French company Alstom, originally responsible for the design and assembly of the plant. Since then, Cuba lost access to French credits that provided essential parts and supplies, severely hindering its operation.

Among the examples cited by Morales Ojeda stand out:

• The retention of equipment in third countries, such as two bombs held in Jamaica for containing American components.
• The inability to receive a speed controller valued at one million dollars, already manufactured and paid for, but held up by regulatory pressures.
• The repeated postponement in the delivery of key valves for the maintenance of the plant.
• The refusal of European banks, even in Paris, to work with Cuban entities for fear of economic sanctions.

"Knowledge is also part of the struggle," concluded Morales Ojeda, reiterating the official discourse of unity in the face of what he describes as "aggressions" from Washington.

A repeated speech

The accusation is not new. Last week, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez held the United States responsible for the shutdown of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Power Plant in Cienfuegos, following a foreign company's refusal to provide technical assistance due to containing more than 10% American parts.

However, independent economists argue that the deterioration of the Cuban electrical system is largely due to internal issues such as corruption, lack of investment, and an economic model that has proven to be unviable.

In July, the Minister of Economy, Joaquín Alonso, acknowledged that "what is currently coming into the country is not enough" to meet even the basic needs for fuel, food, or the maintenance of critical infrastructure.

In turn, the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant, which was once considered one of the most stable, has been unable to complete repairs promised by the Electric Union for months.

The U.S. rejects the allegations

In August, the United States Department of State was clear in rejecting the accusations from Havana.

“Officials have stolen so much that the regime no longer pays its bills,” stated the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs, referring to corruption and mismanagement as the real causes of the crisis.

The departure of the Turkish barge Karadeniz Powership from the port of Havana due to unpaid debts, combined with the progressive deterioration of thermoelectric plants, has left the country facing increasingly prolonged blackouts. This situation is generating growing social skepticism, while the regime insists on blaming the embargo exclusively.

On social media, Cubans are questioning the official narrative and highlighting the contrast between energy scarcity and the resources controlled by military conglomerates like GAESA.

"How many new hospitals could be built with the 18 billion controlled by GAESA?" asked a user, echoing one of the most frequently raised questions in the public debate.

Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba and the impact of the embargo