Havana's Electric Company has released a new power outage schedule, highlighting the worsening energy crisis in the Cuban capital. According to the official timetable shared on social media, these blackouts will now span eight hours a day, including overnight periods, significantly disrupting daily life for Havana's residents.
When compared to previous weeks, this new schedule marks a considerable setback. Previously, power interruptions lasted no more than four hours per block and were supposed to end by midnight. Each area was only affected once a day. However, starting Sunday, June 29, power cuts now occur throughout the day and night in several segments, totaling eight hours of no electricity per zone.
This strategic shift comes shortly after the company denied rumors on social media about increased outages and an imbalance in block distribution. At that time, the state entity claimed disruptions were being managed equitably and dismissed any contrary information as "completely false." However, the newly released schedules confirm both the increased duration and frequency of outages.
By Friday, the company acknowledged that the lack of available generation capacity made it impossible to adhere to the planned outage schedules, indicating a need to adjust the timings. "Interruptions should average four hours, but emergency outages after midnight might extend by an hour," they specified.
The situation has been progressively deteriorating over recent months. In May, the company justified nighttime outages as an emergency measure to "balance the impact of generation deficits," also warning of possible one-hour cuts during the night for circuits unaffected during the day. In practice, residents report outages exceeding eight hours, disrupting essential activities like food preservation, water pumping, studying, and medical care. The situation is particularly severe in homes with young children, the elderly, or bedridden patients.
Historically, Havana has received preferential treatment compared to other provinces, where outages can last more than 20 consecutive hours. However, the extended blackouts in the capital have raised new alarms. In other parts of the country, many towns barely receive three to four hours of electricity per day, fueling resentment over the centralized handling of energy and perceived favoritism towards Havana.
Cuba's deepening energy crisis, characterized by deteriorating thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and weak generation capacity, has forced authorities to implement contingency measures that fail to address the root causes. Meanwhile, public frustration grows as the situation shows no sign of resolution in the near future.
In this context, Havana's Electric Company reiterated its call for the public to rely only on "official channels" for information and avoid spreading what it labels as "false or manipulative content." However, the prolonged outages and the discrepancy between institutional communications and citizens' daily experiences have further eroded trust in the electric authorities.
Energy remains a critical issue in Cuba's ongoing structural collapse, with blackouts intensifying rather than abating.
Understanding Havana's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Havana?
The outages are primarily due to a deteriorating energy infrastructure, including aging thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and insufficient generation capacity.
How are the power outages affecting daily life in Havana?
The extended outages are disrupting essential activities such as food preservation, water pumping, studying, and medical care, particularly impacting homes with children, the elderly, or bedridden patients.
Is Havana receiving preferential treatment compared to other provinces?
Historically, yes. Havana has experienced fewer outages compared to other provinces where power can be out for more than 20 consecutive hours.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis?
Authorities are implementing contingency measures, but these do not effectively address the underlying issues of the energy crisis.