State Media Praises Ciego de Ávila's Solar Power, Residents Dismiss the "Achievement"

A recent broadcast by Canal Caribe depicted Ciego de Ávila as a leader in Cuba's renewable energy sector. The report suggested that the province might soon be able to meet its midday electricity demands entirely through its solar power facilities. Highlighting the "Carolina" solar park, which has generated over 466 MW since its inception, the segment claimed Ciego de Ávila has an installed capacity of 52 MW in photovoltaic energy. Local authorities boasted that solar power supplies over 50% of electricity needs between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. They further announced plans for new solar parks to boost capacity to 108 MW by 2025, aiming to fully meet midday power demands.

Despite these official claims, residents of Ciego de Ávila expressed their skepticism and frustration on social media. "We get three hours of power a day here," one user remarked, while another noted, "I can't recall the last time we had electricity throughout the entire midday." Prolonged power outages, sometimes lasting up to 15 hours, contradict the narrative of energy self-sufficiency.

Critics argue that while the government touts these achievements, the reality is starkly different. Energy generated by solar parks is allegedly distributed nationwide, with Havana receiving priority despite consuming the most and experiencing fewer power cuts. "Stop deceiving people by saying the parks cover the province's demand. Most of the power goes to Havana," one frustrated commenter stated.

Residents also highlighted the human toll of the energy crisis, citing challenges in caring for the sick and elderly, preserving food, and the emotional toll of living under such harsh conditions. "Living in Cuba is a tragedy. I don't shy away from saying it because it's the truth," one woman lamented desperately.

This triumphant rhetoric is part of the regime's propaganda efforts, especially after Ciego de Ávila was chosen to host the official July 26 celebrations. On June 14, amid a blackout, authorities paraded through the province with motorcycles, honking Ladas, and flags, despite the lack of enthusiasm from the populace.

The stark contrast between the celebratory procession and the province's pervasive darkness, food scarcity, water supply issues—only 280 liters per second available of the 600 needed—and nearly constant power outages was glaring. A video shared with CiberCuba by a resident showed the official caravan moving through a dimly lit city, met with indifference and frustration by onlookers.

Even as President Miguel Díaz-Canel praised the province on X (formerly Twitter), attributing the recognition to the people's "effort, constancy, and talent," many residents saw it as yet another insult. Rather than instilling confidence or hope, the state media's narrative seems to have only deepened public discontent. While officials speak of meeting goals and investing in clean energy, the reality for many remains one of darkness, heat, and a growing sense of neglect.