The Ernesto Che Guevara Thermoelectric Plant's Unit 3, located in Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque, has been reconnected to Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) following minor maintenance work, as confirmed by the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) on Tuesday. Despite this development, which theoretically should alleviate some of the island's worsening energy crisis, many Cubans are skeptical about its actual impact on their daily lives.
Public reaction to the announcement, especially on social media platforms like Facebook, has been dominated by apathy and skepticism. This reflects a widespread fatigue among the population, who have grown weary of the government's unfulfilled promises of restoring a stable electric supply.
Widespread Disbelief and Frustration
The synchronization announcement has sparked a wave of public discontent and frustration. Comments like those from Reynaldo Pita highlight the harsh realities faced by ordinary Cubans: "More blackouts or fewer blackouts? Spoiled food. Children, the elderly, and vulnerable people going without a meal and unable to sleep." These sentiments underscore the direct impact the energy crisis has on millions across the island.
Many users criticized the unequal distribution of electricity and the government's narrative. "For Granma, this is insignificant, no matter who comes or goes, the impact remains the same," remarked Yaimi Casi Macía. Meanwhile, Yoli Rosales pointed out, "Effort and more electricity for Havana; in other provinces, the Electric Union UNE is non-existent... abusive regionalists."
Public Skepticism Amidst Government Assurances
Bobby Cabanas articulated a shared sentiment: "Stop glorifying the reactivation of thermoelectric plants as achievements, when we all know the disaster that is UNE. A company that should be selling electricity generation only takes it away." Instead of optimism, the news has been met with irony and disbelief. "Well, then it should be ready for this summer, right?" commented Odalys Domínguez sarcastically. Meanwhile, María Cobas contrasted the official statement with her reality: "And yet, we have been without power since dawn."
Voices from across the country echo a common theme: a disconnect between official announcements and lived experiences. In Ciego de Ávila, Marianny Pérez reported blackouts lasting "10 and 12 hours" and lamented that they only experience brief periods of power that aren't sufficient to charge rechargeable devices.
Juan Antonio Roque questioned the actual contribution of the newly synchronized unit: "Sixth-grade math: if the deficit exceeds 1,500 MW, then what difference will the less than 100 MW from this plant make?" Concerns over the longevity of these units also persist. "If the one in Cienfuegos, after six months of super maintenance, lasted less than a week, how long will this one last?" wrote Cecilia Ugalde Fariñas.
Echoing the skepticism, Idania Ramírez Rodríguez wondered if they would even notice the difference once the unit is operational, or if it would quickly shut down as has happened so often before. Publi Cidad summed up the general sentiment: "It doesn't matter what they say, nothing will change."
Government Admits to Ongoing Power Shortages
In light of the persistent crisis, the Cuban government has announced that blackouts will continue through July and August, with no structural solutions in sight. This grim outlook was reported by the official newspaper Trabajadores, highlighting the regime's inability to provide a stable electric service.
The official acknowledgment of ongoing disruptions is a tacit admission of failure. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), the issues stem from a combination of lacking imported fuel, ongoing thermoelectric maintenance, increasing demand, and the deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure.
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the general director of electricity at the ministry, has estimated that the available capacity for the upcoming months will be only 1,935 MW, against a demand that can reach 3,500 MW, resulting in a deficit of over 1,500 MW.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is the impact of Unit 3's synchronization on the energy crisis in Cuba?
The synchronization of Unit 3 is intended to alleviate some of the energy shortages, but many Cubans doubt its effectiveness given the significant overall deficit in electricity supply.
Why are Cubans skeptical about improvements in the electric supply?
Cubans are skeptical due to repeated unfulfilled promises from the government, ongoing blackouts, and a perceived lack of genuine improvement in electricity distribution.
How does the Cuban government explain the persistent energy issues?
The government cites a lack of imported fuel, maintenance on thermoelectric plants, rising demand, and a deteriorating infrastructure as reasons for the ongoing energy problems.