The escalating energy crisis in Cuba has sparked an unprecedented wave of public outrage. In some regions, power outages have extended beyond 24 hours, pushing citizens to the brink of physical and emotional exhaustion. Meanwhile, the regime continues to recycle unfulfilled promises and technical statistics that do nothing to alleviate citizens' despair.
On Wednesday, the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) confirmed in its official report that service was disrupted for the entire day, with numbers far exceeding those projected, and predicted a peak hour impact of 1,729 MW today. The UNE's Facebook post triggered an avalanche of angry comments from people across all provinces.
The People's Frustration
A resident from Camagüey lamented, "Four years of this torment and it seems like we’ll endure many more... The blackout pandemic has surpassed that of COVID-19. No strategy solves anything, the common Cuban's unhappiness is consuming our souls." In Cienfuegos, the situation is equally dire. "24-hour blackouts, this is out of control... Worse than ever. It’s chaos," another citizen complained.
In Palmira, the power has been off for 25 consecutive hours. "For God's sake, I feel like I'll die before seeing an improvement," a young woman expressed. Residents in Bayamo recount days where they have only one or two hours of electricity. "How much longer, man? Will this ever end?" questioned an exhausted individual.
Government Under Fire
Criticism is harshest towards the government and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM). "Immediate resignation for the Energy and Mines Minister for his failed recovery strategy of the National Electric System (SEN); his incompetence increases the suffering of an entire nation. Enough already," demanded another comment. These voices paint a picture of a population completely overwhelmed.
In Villa Clara, power cuts reach 19 hours daily. The outrage is tinged with despair: "We keep climbing, what a disgusting government that can’t even ensure the country’s power... people are losing the will to move forward."
Reality Versus Official Narrative
The official narrative, filled with euphemisms and technical jargon, starkly contrasts with the reality faced by millions of Cubans. "They’re killing us like dogs," a Cuban from Campechuela stated. Though stark, this expression captures the widespread feeling of abandonment and helplessness in the face of a government that seems unable—or unwilling—to provide concrete solutions.
As speeches and empty promises multiply from the corridors of power, the public clamor for real solutions, transparency, and accountability grows. As one of the many outraged citizens summed up: "This country is a disaster."
A Crisis with No End in Sight
By late May, the government announced that blackouts would persist throughout July and August, as there are no structural solutions to the crisis. According to MINEM, the issue stems from a lack of imported fuel, power plants under maintenance, increased demand, and the deterioration of the national electrical infrastructure.
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the director of electricity, stated that estimated availability for the summer would be a mere 1,935 MW, against a demand that could reach 3,500 MW, resulting in a deficit of over 1,500 MW. This means daily outages of at least four hours per customer, though in practice, these cuts often last much longer.
The goal of reducing disruptions to an average of four hours daily will only be achievable if generation increases by 13 GWh and consumption growth is controlled. The government hopes the reintroduction of the Cienfuegos power plant, contributing 158 MW, will help meet the high demand typical of the summer season.
However, there are many factors working against this: for instance, the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) forces many households to cook using electricity, increasing consumption. Experts note that when power returns after an outage, the simultaneous connection of multiple appliances causes a surge up to 15 times the normal consumption, leading to the collapse of transformers already worn out by overuse.
Promises have been made for "deeper" (though not capital) maintenance of power plants, as well as the recovery of some distributed generation engines, depending on diesel availability, all before summer’s arrival. Regarding this, it was announced that the Guiteras (Matanzas) and Felton 1 (Holguín) plants must go offline before summer for urgent maintenance to avoid major breakdowns during peak demand months.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the prolonged blackouts in Cuba?
The prolonged blackouts are due to a combination of factors, including a lack of imported fuel, power plants under maintenance, increased demand, and the deteriorating national electrical infrastructure.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The government has announced plans for maintenance of power plants and the recovery of distributed generation engines, but solutions remain limited due to resource constraints.
What impact do blackouts have on Cuban citizens?
Blackouts have significant physical and emotional impacts on Cuban citizens, leading to widespread frustration and a sense of helplessness.