For years, Cubans clung to the belief that "the power never goes out on the Island of Youth." This wasn't merely a popular saying; as recently as March, official sources confirmed that the territory had its own power generation facilities, robust enough to prevent blackouts even when the rest of the larger island faced widespread outages.
However, recent developments have shattered this long-held myth. As of June 16, local authorities from the Electric Company on this island have initiated scheduled blackouts lasting five hours each, spanning both day and night, as reported by Radio Caribe on Monday.
This measure comes in response to inadequate electricity generation to meet demand, a problem that worsened on June 14 when two units of the national electric system went offline, accelerating the forecasted impact, according to a last-minute alert issued by the company.
The announced blackout schedule involves four blocks of outages, affecting key times like the early morning and initial hours of the day. Areas including Pueblo Nuevo, La Fe, Mella, La Reforma, Chacón, the Airport, the University, and neighborhoods such as Micro 70 or Sierra Caballos are among the hardest hit.
Electricity cuts occur from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and extend until 1:00 p.m. in some sectors, disrupting both nighttime rest and daytime school and work activities.
The official statement also warns that schedules may shift forward or backward based on demand patterns, and further unforeseen breakdowns could worsen the situation.
"No food, no power, we have nothing," echoed Ariel Moto's sentiment on the municipal radio station's page. His words, capturing the frustration of many, have gained traction among the island's residents.
Others, like Katiusca Muñoz, complain that the outlined schedules are not adhered to, leaving areas such as Chacón without power for more than five hours, day and night. "The report is incomprehensible," she laments.
Uncertainty reigns: residents like Mirtha Cabrales repeatedly ask when the power will go out, when it will return, and if the outages are rotational or fixed.
In a bid to inject humor into the distress, Erislandis Durán quipped, "I'm looking for company... there's no power in my area at night. Seeking someone to host me, then we'll head back to my place."
Even the Island of Youth, historically more stable in terms of electricity, hasn't been spared this time. As the myth crumbles, so does the hope of enjoying at least one peaceful night.
Authorities advise residents to charge lamps and batteries and disconnect appliances during outages, promising to adjust schedules "when the situation improves."
But for the thousands of Cubans on the island, patience is not what's needed—answers and relief are.
Understanding Power Outages in the Island of Youth
Why are power outages happening on the Island of Youth?
The outages are due to insufficient power generation to meet demand, worsened by the shutdown of two units in the national electric system.
How long do the power cuts last?
The scheduled blackouts last for five hours, occurring in four blocks throughout the day and night.
What areas are most affected by the power outages?
Areas like Pueblo Nuevo, La Fe, Mella, La Reforma, Chacón, the Airport, the University, and neighborhoods such as Micro 70 or Sierra Caballos are among the most affected.
Can the blackout schedules change?
Yes, the blackout schedules may shift depending on demand, and unforeseen breakdowns might lead to further changes.