In the midst of one of Cuba's most severe energy crises in recent decades, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged the seriousness of the electrical system's collapse that is affecting millions of citizens. However, he continues to place blame on the United States embargo for the situation. "Yes, as Alfredo López Valdés mentioned yesterday, the situation with the electrical system is serious, but not insurmountable. Although recovery may take some time due to its complexity and the blockade imposed by the U.S. on accessing resources, we are working hard and will overcome it," he stated on X.
The statement quickly sparked outrage on social media. Citizens, exhausted after weeks of power outages sometimes lasting over 24 consecutive hours, responded with criticism and skepticism. "Will we even be alive by then?" questioned a resident from Matanzas, while another Cuban living abroad sarcastically remarked, "Do you have any idea how long resistance can last? Three days, 15, a lifetime?"
Another user criticized, "You haven't explained why the 2016 Russian credit for installing four new thermal units hasn't been executed. Nor why resources weren't allocated to the National Electric System (SEN) for years, but were instead directed towards tourism."
The State of the Electric Grid
The director of the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), Alfredo López Valdés, confirmed on Wednesday during the Mesa Redonda that "the state of the electrical system is grave," citing outdated infrastructure, a lack of fuel, and the inability to rotate circuits due to the excessive duration of power cuts. He explained that five generator blocks are under repair, and once operational, they would contribute a mere 500 MW to an already collapsed system. Although there are 1,000 MW available in distributed generation, the absence of diesel prevents them from staying operational.
Cuban Society in Darkness
While the government has announced a three-year energy recovery plan, millions of Cubans live in darkness, lacking clear information, refrigeration for food, and basic conditions for rest. In rural areas and popular neighborhoods, extended blackouts have already surpassed 30 hours without service, impacting the elderly, children, and chronic patients.
On social media, a retiree challenged Díaz-Canel: "It's regrettable that the opportunity wasn't used from the presidency for self-criticism over so much postponed maintenance, for not prioritizing when it was necessary, and reaching the current situation."
Blame on the U.S. Embargo
Despite the circumstances, instead of taking responsibility for poor resource management, lack of planning, and structural corruption, the authorities persist in blaming the U.S. embargo. The first deputy minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, stated that "the blackouts are a consequence of the criminal American blockade against Cuba. It's not rhetoric, it's not fictitious." He even claimed that "authorities also suffer the blackouts," a statement widely rejected by users who point out the privileges of high-ranking officials, shielded from the shortages faced by ordinary citizens.
"The people are suffering while you live in luxuries unknown to many. Aren't you ashamed to parade the not-first lady around the world?" commented one user.
"The entire country is collapsed; the people don't care about the efforts, they care about the life we no longer have. You don't face this, you have the privilege granted by power," wrote an elderly man on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Díaz-Canel's promise that "we'll get there" rings hollow for those sleeping among mosquitos, without ventilation, cooking with charcoal or wood, and watching their food spoil due to lack of refrigeration. For many, the issue isn't the time it will take to resolve the crisis but the lack of political will to change a model that's proven unviable.
As one young person expressed online, "It's very naïve to still believe in Díaz-Canel's promises, as he has shown he lacks what it takes to address the severe total crisis Cuba has been in since the start of his tenure." In the meantime, the Cuban people continue to wait not just for light, but for real answers.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
The crisis is mainly due to outdated infrastructure, lack of fuel, and maintenance delays, compounded by the U.S. embargo.
How are Cuban citizens affected by the power outages?
Citizens face extended blackouts, lack of refrigeration for food, and inadequate conditions for rest, severely affecting daily life.
What steps is the Cuban government taking to address the crisis?
The government has proposed a three-year energy recovery plan, but progress has been slow due to resource constraints and other challenges.
Has the U.S. embargo worsened the energy crisis in Cuba?
While the embargo complicates resource access, many argue that internal mismanagement and corruption are significant contributors to the crisis.