On Wednesday, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, the First Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, attributed the widespread power outages affecting millions of Cubans not to internal missteps but to what he described as the "criminal American embargo against Cuba." His remarks came during a special appearance on the television program Mesa Redonda. Abad emphasized to host Randy Alonso that the hardships endured by the Cuban people due to the blackouts are not foreign to the authorities, as they too suffer from the power cuts. "We cannot say that only the people suffer from the blackouts; we are part of the people and experience them as well," he stated.
The official stressed that the primary cause of Cuba's energy crisis is the U.S. embargo on the island. "The blackouts are a result of the criminal American blockade against Cuba. This is not just talk, not a fabrication, not mere rhetoric," he asserted. Abad further explained that the Ministry of Energy and Mines encounters daily challenges in its commercial operations, including difficulties securing fuel, chartering ships, accessing technology, and performing essential maintenance on equipment that cannot be repaired domestically.
"Some resources acquired abroad even come with hidden problems designed to prevent the Cuban government from overcoming this energy crisis," he claimed. "The blockade is the first and most significant cause. Due to the blockade, we lack access to international financing. If we could secure international credit, we could resolve this energy problem with our own resources," Abad insisted.
UNE Highlights Critical Energy Situation
During the same television program, Alfredo López Valdés, Director of the Cuban Electrical Union (UNE), acknowledged that the national electro-energy system is in a critical state. "The situation of the electrical system is severe. There are prolonged blackout hours that prevent us from rotating the circuits," he said. He mentioned ongoing efforts to repair five generator blocks that, once synchronized with the system, would provide over 500 megawatts of capacity. However, he warned that the shortage of diesel compromises the sustainability of distributed generation.
The fuel deficit directly impacts the country's ability to maintain a stable electric service, particularly in rural areas and during peak hours. Power outages are expected to continue indefinitely.
Protests and Blackouts: The Other Side of the Crisis
Official statements sought to explain a crisis that began over five years ago, marked by extended blackouts, fuel shortages, and outdated electrical infrastructure. Millions of Cubans could not watch Mesa Redonda because they had been without electricity for more than 24 hours.
On the night of May 21, fresh protests erupted in eastern Cuba. In the Micro 9 neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba, residents took to the streets during a blackout to demand government change. Demonstrations also occurred in various parts of Bayamo. Protesters shouted for "electricity" and "food" amid the darkness and increasing scarcity of basic goods. These cries of desperation echoed through the night, reflecting the exhaustion of a population suffocated by economic crisis, the government's lack of solutions, and political repression.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis
What is the main cause of the power outages in Cuba?
According to Cuban authorities, the primary cause of the power outages is the U.S. embargo, which they claim creates significant obstacles in obtaining fuel and technology necessary for maintaining the energy infrastructure.
How are the power outages affecting Cuban citizens?
The power outages lead to prolonged periods without electricity, affecting daily life significantly. They contribute to economic hardships and have sparked protests demanding government changes and solutions.
What steps is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The government is working on repairing generator blocks to increase capacity and is seeking ways to overcome challenges imposed by the U.S. embargo.