This Saturday, the Cuban government is conducting the Popular Exercise for Disaster Situation Actions, Meteoro 2025, showcasing a lavish use of electricity and air conditioning while the nation grapples with a severe energy deficit. Under the leadership of Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, head of the National Defense Council, government meetings are held across Havana and other Cuban provinces in air-conditioned venues equipped with televisions for video conferencing.
In regions like Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba, the capital, and other areas, officials participate in air-conditioned rooms for what the regime deems an "essential activity for the preparation of leadership and management bodies, as well as the population." The exercise also featured an abundance of technology, with Division General Ramón Pardo Guerra, head of the National Civil Defense Staff in Havana, communicating with provincial authorities via video conference. These sessions proceeded seamlessly, detached from the heat and everyday problems.
This ostentatious display has not gone unnoticed by Cubans who are dealing with a generation shortfall of nearly 1,600 MW following the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant. "The air conditioning is on, the lights are fully lit; there's no deficit for the government. They don't need to endure creatively like the nonsense they spout on the official broadcasts. It's true there's a blockade, but it's against the people," criticized one online user. Another commented, "That's how it is in Cuba, always blaming the blockade, but I believe the saying that no evil lasts a hundred years, nor can anyone withstand it forever. This must end someday."
Blackouts severely disrupt daily life for Cubans, impacting household activities, basic services, and family finances. Power cuts lead to lack of water access, spoilage of refrigerated food and medicine, disruptions in transportation, and public services, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and despair among the populace.
Currently, three thermoelectric units are out of service due to breakdowns: the unit at CTE Guiteras, unit 5 at CTE Nuevitas, and unit 2 at CTE Felton. Despite this, the regime proceeds with its annual Meteoro drill, boasting about having power for the exercise. Presently, the situation is dire in distributed generation. A total of 47 power plants are out of service due to fuel shortages, resulting in a loss of 369 MW. Additionally, 86 MW are inactive due to lack of oil, and another 64 MW are down at the Melones barge, totaling 519 MW unavailable in this segment.
Under these circumstances, it is estimated that there will be a power shortage of 1,570 MW during peak demand on Saturday.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy shortfall in Cuba?
The energy shortfall in Cuba is primarily due to the breakdown of key thermoelectric units, fuel shortages, and lack of maintenance, leading to significant power generation deficits.
How are blackouts affecting daily life in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba disrupt daily life by affecting water access, spoiling food and medicine, and interrupting transportation and public services, creating widespread uncertainty and distress.