In a recent development, the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant experienced a failure, leading to the shutdown of Block 3 within Cuba's National Electric System (SEN). According to officials, this unexpected incident was not due to a lack of maintenance, but rather the opposite. The regime claims that the malfunction was a result of the unit undergoing over six months of scheduled maintenance.
"We remind the public that such failures are common following maintenance periods exceeding six months," stated official spokesperson 'Raúl CTC Holguín' on social media, attempting to rationalize what appears to be yet another technical breakdown.
This explanation sparked widespread outrage and ridicule among Cubans, who found it absurd that prolonged maintenance could be blamed for a breakdown shortly after service resumption. "So, the more you repair, the more it breaks?" questioned an irate user. Another commenter quipped, "It's like taking your car to the mechanic for a week and having it explode right out of the shop."
Electrical experts and workers also expressed skepticism. Hugo Mutis, identified as a technician, criticized the logic behind the official narrative. "It doesn't make sense. After such prolonged maintenance—where there is time for quality and precise work, thorough testing, turbine runs to detect potential problems—these issues should not occur," Mutis remarked.
He further explained that when a unit undergoes extensive maintenance, there is ample time to ensure a secure startup and stable operation. "Usually, these failures occur during short maintenance periods where many corrective tasks are rushed for quick synchronization," he added. "In this case, time should ensure a safe restart, making the rest just excuses."
An Endless Cycle of Excuses and Technical Absurdities
This isn't the first instance where the Cuban government has resorted to technical justifications for the blackouts plaguing the nation. Beyond blaming the "U.S. blockade," Miguel Díaz-Canel's administration has devised increasingly implausible excuses to cover up its mismanagement.
The official rhetoric has evolved into a collection of absurdities. From "rusty pipes" to mysterious "flushing" processes, and even blaming rainy weather or unavoidable internal procedures, authorities consistently point fingers at abstract causes instead of addressing structural failures.
One of the most criticized justifications involved blaming alleged defective pipes for the poor performance of SEN units. On another occasion, the possibility of "locally manufacturing parts" was discussed, but "raw materials" were missing. It was as if the country hadn't had decades to anticipate the natural wear and tear of its aging plants.
Some explanations were almost humorous, suggesting that power outages encouraged "family interaction." These narratives have been widely mocked by citizens, who accuse the government of being disconnected from the real struggles faced by households. For many, the issue extends beyond the lack of electricity to the constant insult to their intelligence and daily hardships.
Expressions like "it makes no sense," "we don't even know when there's power anymore," "this is a constant disrespect," and "another one for the meme" were common among the countless messages from Cubans, who are no longer surprised by yet another breakdown and are instead exhausted by the repetitive narrative.
No Real Solutions in Sight
The official discourse tries to normalize interruptions by hiding behind technical jargon and repeated explanations, but the reality for the Cuban population is starkly different.
Many thermoelectric plants, having been in operation for over 30 years, no longer provide the stability or capacity required to meet demand. Rather than offering relief, repairs seem to be part of an endless cycle: maintenance, temporary service entry, breakdown, and another outage.
In this vicious cycle, Cubans have stopped expecting explanations and are demanding tangible solutions. However, without political will, genuine investment, or an energy plan with a national perspective, it seems the news will continue to report "unexpected breakdowns" and "adjustment work," while the nation plunges deeper into darkness.
The Nation of Power Outages Without Accountability
While officials recite prewritten statements and visit plants that can't stabilize for more than 72 hours, Cubans endure daily blackouts lasting over ten hours.
Everyday life has been completely disrupted: food spoils, children can't sleep, the elderly suffer without ventilation, and mothers cook in the dark. Meanwhile, the official narrative offers no solutions, just excuses.
When was the last time Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy addressed the public to explain the SEN situation and progress in recovering it?
The Cienfuegos Block 3 incident is not an isolated event but rather a testament to the ongoing collapse of the SEN and a governance approach where those in power hide behind technicalities while the population bears the brunt of the consequences.
The absurdity isn't just that a failure occurred after six months of repairs, but that the regime expects the people to understand and accept it.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent power outage in Cienfuegos?
The recent power outage in Cienfuegos was caused by a failure in Block 3 of the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant, which the regime claims was due to over six months of scheduled maintenance.
Why is the Cuban government criticized for its handling of power outages?
The Cuban government is criticized for its handling of power outages because it often resorts to implausible excuses and technical justifications instead of addressing underlying structural issues and providing real solutions.
How do power outages affect daily life in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba severely disrupt daily life, causing food spoilage, preventing children from sleeping, affecting the elderly's comfort, and forcing families to cook in the dark.