As millions of Cubans continue to endure power outages, sweltering heat, and shortages, the government has once again acknowledged its inability to afford the necessary fuel to keep the nation running. During the Tenth Plenary Session of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy and Organizational Secretary Roberto Morales Ojeda conceded that over half of the recent power disruptions—up to 1,000 megawatts of the nearly 1,900 reported in a single day—are simply due to a lack of oil.
"If we had fuel and lubricant today, the situation would be entirely different. Entirely different," Morales Ojeda reiterated, sounding more resigned than solution-oriented. "When we faced disruptions of up to 1,800 MW, almost a day of 1,900, around 1,000 were due to fuel shortages," the party official stated.
Expanding Solar Capacity Amidst Challenges
According to De la O Levy, the country has synchronized 22 solar parks so far in 2025, reaching 481 MW, with plans to close the year at 1,115 MW. "In July, the synchronization of five new parks continues, reaching a total of 27 in service with a capacity of 590 MW," he noted. However, even with solar energy, the bulk of electricity generation remains tied to outdated, malfunctioning thermoelectric plants lacking spare parts.
The minister admitted that thermal plants are operating at their limits after decades of exploitation without investment. Although the available capacity increased from 850 MW to 1,100 MW in July, demand still surpasses the country's actual capacity.
Restrictive Measures and Their Impact
Instead of offering sustainable solutions, the government has implemented a series of restrictions that include:
- Shutting down state offices from Friday to Monday.
- Reorganizing services to reduce consumption.
- Cutting electricity to private businesses exceeding consumption plans.
These measures directly affect the daily lives of millions of Cubans, who face blackouts lasting up to 10 hours a day, disruptions in essential services, and an increasingly challenging environment for running small businesses or independent activities.
In the words of leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, the National Electric System is "collapsed." "Here, when we have this energy situation, almost everything stops: there is no water supply, no material production, and services cannot be offered because there are hardly any hours of electricity," the president acknowledged, according to Martí Noticias.
Díaz-Canel detailed that some provinces have had only three or four hours of electricity a day, while others have gone entire days without power. In neighborhoods, the reality surpasses any official report: closed businesses, spoiled food, families without water or ventilation, and a growing sense of hopelessness.
"In recent weeks, some provinces have been without power almost all day. So, everything is paralyzed there," he concluded.
Addressing Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily caused by a shortage of oil needed to operate the country's thermoelectric plants, which are outdated and lack necessary spare parts.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The government is expanding solar energy capacity by synchronizing new solar parks, but the reliance on old thermoelectric plants remains an issue. Restrictions on energy consumption have also been implemented.
What impact do the energy restrictions have on daily life in Cuba?
Energy restrictions lead to extended blackouts, disrupt essential services, and create challenges for businesses and daily activities, affecting the overall quality of life.