Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized this Thursday the responsibility of the United States embargo for the prolonged blackouts that millions of Cubans are experiencing, sharing on Facebook a video of the director of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, Rubén Campos, who stated that the plant “is the industry in Cuba most affected by the intensification of the blockade.”
The leader accompanied the recording with a message in which he stated that the explanation was “simple, straightforward, and graphic” about the harsh reality faced by workers at Guiteras, in an attempt to directly link the electricity crisis to Washington's sanctions. “If you have ever wondered what the blockade has to do with the blackouts, here is the answer,” he wrote.
"I'm not exaggerating at all."
In the video, Campos recounted that the situation changed drastically in 2015, when the American multinational General Electric acquired the French company Alstom, which was originally responsible for manufacturing and maintaining the plant. He explained that Alstom's exit from the financing and supplies scheme left Guiteras without support for critical parts.
The executive presented specific examples: bombs and valves returned from Jamaica to France because they contained parts of American origin, speed regulators valued at one million dollars that were not delivered despite being paid for, and foreign specialists who canceled their trip to Cuba at the last minute due to pressure.
"You may have money, but if you don't have a bank to work with, it's like you don't have any at all. It's very difficult. There is constant surveillance from the empire regarding us," he denounced. "That is the reality of the blockade, and believe me, I am not exaggerating at all."
The official speech is repeated
The words of Campos and the publication by Díaz-Canel add to a long chain of official justifications. In May, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mining, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, stated on the Round Table program that “the blackouts are a result of the criminal American blockade, it’s not just talk”.
The director of the Electric Union acknowledged in that same forum that the situation of the system was "serious" and that they could not rotate the circuits due to the severity of the deficit.
More recently, Díaz-Canel requested to "improve the electrical programming" to distribute blackouts more equitably, acknowledging that there are provinces that experience over 25 consecutive hours without power, while others endure fewer outages.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Impact of the Embargo
Why does the Cuban government blame the U.S. embargo for the blackouts?
The Cuban government argues that the U.S. embargo prevents access to necessary spare parts and financing for the maintenance of its power plants, such as the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant. The acquisition of the French company Alstom by General Electric, which originally manufactured and maintained the plant, is cited as a factor that complicated the procurement of critical components due to the sanctions.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba according to independent sources?
Independent economists point out that in addition to the embargo, the energy crisis in Cuba is due to internal issues such as corruption, lack of investment, and an ineffective economic model. The mismanagement of resources and the technological obsolescence of thermal power plants are also critical factors in the deterioration of the Cuban electrical system.
What measures has the Cuban government proposed to address the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government has announced plans to invest in renewable energies and carry out maintenance on thermal power plants. However, these projects lack concrete details regarding their implementation or financing, which raises skepticism about their effectiveness in the short term.
What is the current situation of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant?
The Antonio Guiteras Power Station, one of the most important in Cuba, has been facing frequent shutdowns due to failures and a lack of adequate maintenance. A six-month major maintenance has been scheduled, which could temporarily worsen the blackouts, although it is expected to extend the life of the plant.
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