The energy crisis in Cuba's Pinar del Río province has reached alarming levels. Provincial Electric Company officials acknowledged on Wednesday that some circuits have experienced blackouts lasting over 30 continuous hours, amidst a backdrop of unplanned outages, system failures, and growing popular unrest. This information was confirmed by the authorities through Radio Guamá, the province's official broadcaster, in an attempt to explain the severe instability in the electrical service, which has caused frustration, despair, and outrage among the residents of the country's westernmost region.
Endless Blackouts with No Relief in Sight
Unlike other provinces where there is at least an effort to maintain a rotating blackout schedule, Pinar del Río lacks any established timetable. Some areas endure between 18 and 20 consecutive hours without power, while in the most affected sectors, the figure exceeds 30 hours, as admitted by the authorities themselves. In many instances, power restoration lasts no more than 30 minutes before interruptions resume.
Officials explained, "We don't have enough megawatt availability to establish a rotation of blackouts," attributing the situation to a critical drop in national power generation and increased electricity demand due to high temperatures.
Escalating Social Tensions
The prolonged power cuts have further deteriorated the daily lives of families in Pinar del Río, severely impacting food preservation, water access, hospital care, and the operation of businesses and public services. Social media is flooded with growing complaints. Citizens report not only facing endless blackouts but also a lack of information and real solutions from the authorities, who repeat explanations without offering concrete dates or relief.
The situation in Pinar del Río adds to the national energy collapse, where multiple thermal power plants are out of service, and the country relies on temporary contracts with generator ships or imported fuels that fail to stabilize the grid. Meanwhile, heat and darkness remain the norm for thousands of Cubans trapped in an endless cycle of blackouts.
Russian Support for Cuba's Energy Sector
Amid this dire situation, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsiviliov has pledged to enhance Cuba's energy system, including constructing a new 200-megawatt (MW) generating unit and repairing existing 100 MW blocks, as reported by outlets like Telesur and News Rambler. During the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the plan was outlined to include the construction of a new 200 MW generator module; major repairs of three existing 100 MW energy units; and the application of Russian technologies, including artificial intelligence, to optimize Cuba's energy system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pinar del Río's Energy Crisis
What is causing the prolonged blackouts in Pinar del Río?
The extended blackouts are due to a critical drop in national power generation and increased electricity demand driven by high temperatures. Additionally, there is no established schedule for power rotations in the province.
How are residents of Pinar del Río affected by the energy crisis?
Residents are experiencing severe impacts on food preservation, water access, hospital care, and the operation of businesses and public services. Social tensions are rising due to the lack of information and solutions.