A neighbor in Havana reported this Friday that a power outage at 6:30 am, followed by the restoration of service six minutes later, caused a surge that burned numerous appliances in her home.
"I can't take it anymore," she repeated through tears while showing the damages and the smoke that —she claims— began to emanate from several devices, as seen in a video shared on the profile of the internet user Miladys Márquez Chávez.
According to his testimony, television, refrigerator, “split” air conditioner, fans, and lamps were rendered unusable.
The woman claims that even the voltage protectors and the “transformers” of the refrigerators “caught fire” when the power returned. “There was a 440, a 480… I don’t know which one it was,” she said to describe the electrical surge.
In the recording, the affected individual shows a "phase" cable that has fallen from a transformer and claims that the incident is due to "poor work" previously done by the electric company in her area.
"Who is going to pay for all of this?", he asks, while stating that he has already reported the problem and is waiting for the company's truck to come for an inspection. Several neighbors reportedly heard the explosion and approached as witnesses, he adds.
The complainant states that since the transformer was installed—about five months ago—she has received high bills (ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 pesos monthly) despite the fact that “the house does not use much electricity,” and that she has been going to the commercial office for months without inspectors showing up. “I call them and they do not come,” she asserts.
The video adds another dimension to the decline of services: the woman claims that she has been without water for a month, shows the empty cistern, and holds Aguas de La Habana responsible for the lack of a solution.
“Here, no one takes responsibility,” he says, linking the water scarcity and electrical instability to material losses and daily disruptions.
“I am a retired woman… they have ruined my life”, she laments, while insisting that someone must be held accountable for the damages.
The house —she recounts— was left in the dark because even the lights failed after the event. "How long will this last?" she repeats.
The post, which has garnered over 41,000 views and 500 reactions, is yet another example of the systemic crisis that the Cuban people are experiencing.
This Friday, the Cuban electrical system faces one of its most critical days, with a forecast of disruptions exceeding 1,600 megawatts (MW) during peak nighttime hours, as reported by the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE).
The current situation of the National Electric System (SEN) is worsened by a malfunction in Unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant, maintenance work on Units 1 and 2 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant, and Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Plant in Cienfuegos, in addition to thermal limitations that keep 492 MW out of service.
This is compounded by the lack of fuel and lubricants, which impacts 56 distributed generation plants (with 460 MW out of service) and keeps an additional 153 MW unavailable, bringing the total impact from this cause to 624 MW.
The disruptions to the electric service in Cuba persist without a clear solution in sight.
The limitations due to maintenance, technical failures, and fuel shortages affect not only electricity generation but also the daily life of citizens, who experience entire days without electric power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackouts and Service Crises in Cuba
How do blackouts affect appliances in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba cause voltage spikes that can damage appliances and other electrical equipment. In the case mentioned in Havana, a power outage followed by a quick restoration of service resulted in the burning of several devices, including a television, refrigerator, and air conditioner.
What basic services are affected in Cuba due to the energy crisis?
The energy crisis in Cuba affects not only electricity but also access to drinking water and gas. The lack of electricity disrupts water pumping, and many residents have gone weeks without this service, exacerbating already precarious living conditions.
What are the causes of the blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts in Cuba are due to a combination of breakdowns at power plants, maintenance of units, and lack of fuel. These issues are exacerbated by a lack of investment in infrastructure and an aging energy system.
What impact do prolonged power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged power outages impact food preservation, rest, and education. In many cases, the lack of electricity for extended periods leads to food spoilage and hinders adequate rest due to heat and lack of ventilation.
What measures are Cubans taking in response to the lack of basic services?
Due to the lack of basic services, many Cubans improvise solutions such as cooking with firewood and using trucks for water supply. Desperation has even led to protests in the streets demanding solutions from the authorities.
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