In Matanzas, a province ranking as the second largest consumer of electricity in Cuba, officials have announced an increase in the "maximum blackout allowance" from 9.3% to 10% of the nation's total power cuts. This decision highlights the worsening energy crisis gripping the country. Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the province's chief Party secretary, revealed this measure after an extensive analysis with leaders from Matanzas Electric Company. He admitted that recent weeks have seen power outages in Matanzas reaching between 12% and 15% of the total across the island, well above the newly approved threshold.
Matanzas typically consumes between 240 and 270 megawatts (MW). On a day like this past Wednesday, the Electric Union (UNE) anticipated a peak nighttime shortfall of up to 1,770 MW, meaning Matanzas could face cuts of up to 177 MW. This translates to between 65% and 74% of the province's total consumption, potentially leaving two-thirds of Matanzas residents without power at the same time, even within the "officially approved" limits.
Rather than offering solutions to curb the outages, Sabines defended the adjustment, claiming efforts are underway to achieve a more equitable distribution of energy, as reported by Girón newspaper. Additionally, it was mentioned that prioritized circuits "will be turned off when they don't require the service to ensure vital functions," a vague statement that raises more questions than answers. Officials did not clarify how these needs will be determined or which areas would experience further reductions in their already limited electricity supply.
Infrastructure Challenges and Public Response
On Monday, there were 206 active electrical faults, with only 40 resolved that day, according to Alejandro Rodríguez Azpeitía, the provincial director of the Electric Company. Another 27 new reports were added, alongside hundreds of calls overwhelming the complaint hotline—679 in a single day, of which only 20 were addressed. Despite the newspaper's note that the number of operators handling complaints had doubled, it criticized citizens for "misusing the hotline," ignoring that the flood of complaints stems from operational inefficiencies and growing public frustration.
Amid this backdrop, Matanzas authorities stressed the importance of effective communication to keep the public informed about the territory's electric situation, an announcement that feels more like a diversion than a strategy. For residents, the reality remains stark: blackouts are increasing, responses are lacking, and what was once a limit is now just another adjustable figure.
Impact on Daily Life and Tourism
Matanzas is among the regions experiencing blackouts exceeding 20 hours daily, severely impacting daily life. In February, a nighttime photo of Varadero, Cuba's leading tourist destination located in Matanzas, sparked controversy on social media. The image showed the resort's lights blazing in stark contrast to the darkness engulfing much of the country amid the severe energy crisis. However, during some recent widespread blackouts affecting the National Electroenergetic System, Varadero's power circuit also failed, plunging several hotels into darkness due to faults in their self-generation systems.
With summer just a month away, the situation remains dire. Authorities continue to make vague promises, while the public endures prolonged and frequent blackouts nationwide. President Miguel Díaz-Canel's strategy of scheduling blackouts throughout the year for maintenance and repairs on thermoelectric plants—aiming for full operational capacity during the summer peak—has yet to show any results.
According to the state-run newspaper Granma, the regime is working on a "gradual" plan to restore the electric system. However, officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines acknowledge that blackouts won't decrease in the short term, with a goal to reduce them to "only" four hours daily by summer 2025.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why is Matanzas experiencing increased blackouts?
Matanzas has increased its "maximum blackout allowance" due to its high electricity consumption, contributing to the intensified energy crisis in Cuba, resulting in more frequent and prolonged blackouts.
What impact do the blackouts have on Matanzas residents?
The blackouts severely disrupt daily life, with some areas experiencing power outages exceeding 20 hours a day, affecting both residential living and the local economy.
How are authorities addressing the energy crisis?
Authorities claim to be working on a gradual recovery plan for the electric system, but immediate solutions remain ineffective, with blackouts expected to continue in the near future.