UNE says that all of Cuba is "interconnected," but Cubans continue to experience blackouts

The Electric Union (UNE) assured this Tuesday that all provinces of the country are now "interconnected" following Granma's integration into the National Electric Power System (SEN). However, the announcement, shared on , sparked a flood of reactions from Cubans who, rather than celebrating the news, reported that they are still without electricity after long hours, and even days, of blackouts.

“And when will the power come back?” asked a user in the comments. Others were more direct: “Interconnected, but turned off,” wrote an internet user, reflecting the widespread sentiment of those who remain in the dark despite the official reports.

Testimonials are multiplying from different parts of the country. In Havana, several users reported that wide areas remained without service as night fell. In provinces such as Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, or Matanzas, reports indicate more than 30 hours without electricity, with some extreme cases lasting up to 48 hours with just a few minutes of supply.

"Only 8 minutes after 31 hours without power," reported a resident in Santiago. From Granma, another user stated that in their area, they had been without electricity for more than a day. In Ciego de Ávila and Artemisa, the situation was no different: "I lost track of the hours," "we’re still in the dark," the comments echoed.

The contrast between the official discourse and daily reality occurs just hours after one of the most critical episodes of the Cuban electrical system in recent years. On Monday, the country experienced a total disconnection from the National Electric System, confirmed by UNE itself, which left the Island completely in the dark.

So far, authorities acknowledge that they have been unable to explain what caused the blackout. In the meantime, they assure that they are working on the gradual restoration of service through microsystems and the progressive startup of thermoelectric plants.

But for millions of Cubans, the so-called "interconnection" still does not translate into something essential: light in their homes.

Amid an energy crisis characterized by obsolete thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and constant breakdowns, the official announcement ultimately collided with a reality echoed in the comments: a country connected on paper, but still mired in darkness.