The energy crisis has hit rock bottom in the municipality of Baracoa, located in Guantánamo, as residents endure a complete blackout starting this Wednesday, expected to last for several days. As the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) continues to crumble, the Basic Electric Organization (OBE) in this eastern municipality predicts that the dire situation will have no limits, with the coming hours, days, and potentially weeks being particularly grim for the area's inhabitants, who will have scarce access to electricity.
A brief statement on social media by the state-run company responsible for Baracoa's electric service stated that "due to the generation deficit, it's impossible to adhere to the usual rotation of blocks" in the blackout schedule. According to the announcement, "whenever possible, service will be provided to circuits that have been without power the longest, for a period of two hours, if conditions allow."
The entity indicated that "currently, only vital services, such as the hospital, are being maintained," and warned that "this situation will persist for the coming days," without specifying how long.
The warning didn't surprise Baracoa residents, who, like millions of Cubans, suffer through endless rounds of power cuts that prevent them from performing essential activities such as cooking, preserving food, and sleeping. Comment sections were filled with indignation, discontent, anguish, and resignation from numerous individuals facing this bleak scenario, along with criticisms of the authorities for their inability to resolve it.
"Tell the truth: the situation will progressively worsen until the municipality is left without service, because the harsh reality is that everything is going downhill, and people are suffering from numerous shortages, including food, while the leaders, from the top down, remain insensitive to what's happening, offering only threats to maintain control," commented a father.
A teacher was more direct: "This is out of control now."
"How can the little food we manage to get be preserved?" asked a young student, a concern shared by many: "With just two hours of power, how do you expect people to preserve food?"
Another questioned, "They'll have to cancel classes and all jobs, what worker is home to prepare anything for their children, elders, and other family members in two hours?"
Overwhelmed by anger and helplessness, some advocated for drastic "solutions": "Better not to have it at all. That's why this country is like this"; "Better to turn it off completely and stop charging for electricity. How long will this disrespect towards the people of Baracoa continue? They want to save money with this municipality"; "Fine, stop providing electricity, and we'll use the poles for firewood since even firewood is scarce now..."
"Disrespect towards the people is what it is, they don't respect the people, they're killing us slowly, and we remain passive because it's all threats and more threats, how long will they keep us like this?" a young mother lashed out.
"What you're doing is indefensible, just leave and hand over the power, because really, what more could happen beyond what's happening now?" a man demanded from the authorities.
"Stop making the people suffer, how much longer, hand over the country and end this suffering," another demanded.
The previous day marked a critical point in Cuba's energy crisis, with the SEN once again on the brink of collapse. For Tuesday, the Electric Union (UNE) had forecast an impact exceeding 1,700 MW. Citizen reports on social media confirmed a nationwide blackout with no defined schedules or clear answers from the regime's authorities.
The main causes of the problem include malfunctions in unit 3 of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant and unit 2 of the CTE Felton in Holguín; five units offline for maintenance in Santa Cruz, Nuevitas, Cienfuegos, and Renté; and 289 MW inactive due to thermal limitations.
Although the 12 newly inaugurated solar parks contributed 1,233 MWh this Tuesday, this generation remains marginal against an overwhelming national demand. Without a structural solution or sufficient investment in sight, blackouts are no longer a contingency—they are the new normal.
This Wednesday, Cubans face yet another grim day, marked by limitless and widespread blackouts across the island. The UNE announced a maximum impact of up to 1,770 MW during the nighttime peak hours, resulting from a severe generation deficit in the SEN. The estimated demand is 3,500 MW, but availability will be just 1,800 MW.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime's official discourse continues to manipulate the populace with promises of fewer blackouts in the summer, fostering hope for a better future. According to the official newspaper Granma, the government is working on a "gradual" strategy to restore the electrical system, although even officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mines acknowledge that in the short term, blackouts will not decrease.
The regime's goal for the summer is to reduce blackouts to an average of four hours per day per customer, increasing generation by 13 GWh and controlling consumption growth.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is causing the widespread blackouts in Baracoa?
The blackouts in Baracoa are primarily due to a severe generation deficit in the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), compounded by malfunctions and maintenance issues at multiple power plants across Cuba.
How long are the blackouts expected to last in Cuba?
The blackouts are expected to persist for several days, with no clear end date provided by authorities. The situation may continue for weeks as the government works on a gradual recovery plan.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
The government is working on a strategy to gradually restore the electrical system, aiming to reduce blackouts to an average of four hours per day per customer by summer and increase generation by 13 GWh.