In recent days, residents of Sancti Spíritus have observed that Circuit 119 benefits from more consistent electricity compared to other areas. The Provincial Electric Company defends this decision, citing the necessity to provide basic accommodations for workers from other provinces who are involved in constructing the Cabaiguán photovoltaic solar park, currently the most advanced of the three projects in progress.
Roberto Hernández Rojas, the director of the company, explained that the Los Laureles Hotel, which houses these laborers, is experiencing issues with its generator. Consequently, Circuit 119, which supplies electricity to this area, is prioritized during specific time slots: from 5:00 PM to midnight, and again from 5:00 to 7:00 AM.
Quoted by the official newspaper Escambray, Hernández emphasized the need to ensure "a level" of protection there, as workers require essential amenities such as water and electricity after long hours in the sun. The company insists this approach hasn't worsened conditions for other circuits. "So far, we have the authorized megawatts for this purpose. It does not require increasing the disruption level for other circuits, nor does it have any additional impact on the region's deficit," Hernández asserted.
However, numerous comments from the public challenge this claim. Complaints indicate that prioritizing Circuit 119 has resulted in a disproportionate redistribution of electricity, adversely affecting neighborhoods deemed less institutionally significant. Residents from circuits 116 and 117 report frequent blackouts, difficulties in cooking, water storage, and even accessing basic services like internet.
A user named Evaristo Rivero acknowledged the need to support the workers but argued, "It is not true that this does not impact other circuits, especially regarding rotation and the number of hours." He described his circuit (117) as the "ugly duckling" of the Electric Company, lamenting, "The only thing of interest there is the funeral home... watching TV or getting water has become nearly impossible because the water service doesn't align with electricity availability. Not to mention Nauta Hogar, where we donate money to ETECSA every month."
He questioned, "How can the electricity director claim that protecting another circuit doesn't affect other clients? Moreover, he knows more businesses are relocating to these circuits at the expense of others. We too come home exhausted after long work hours, only to struggle with cooking or fetching water."
Provincial Electric Company officials recently admitted that Sancti Spíritus endures blackouts lasting up to 20 hours daily, "interspersed with two or fewer hours of light, without prior notice" due to generation and fuel shortages. The under-construction solar parks won't alleviate the crisis anytime soon.
The central region has 95 primary circuits, 71 of which are deemed interruptible. With a daily rotation capacity of only five to 10 MW against a demand ranging from 140 to 150 MW, there's no ability to implement organized distribution schemes. Unlike other provinces that use predictable rotating schedules—three on, three off, or five on, five off—Sancti Spíritus lacks the technical conditions and system stability for such plans. When there's insufficient energy to sustain even two operational blocks, "you can't implement a logical rotation," stated the company's technical director, Odeivys Valdés Alba, in an interview with Escambray.
Recently, Sayli Alba Álvarez, a mother and cultural promoter living in Yayabo, described on Facebook how blackouts have become a norm, casting a shadow over the city's culture, safety, and youth's future. "My city is invisible. It's been erased. I didn't see its park or my library. My city has died, and I've rushed to hide," Álvarez lamented.
Cuba remains mired in a persistent energy crisis. For Sunday, July 6, the Union Eléctrica forecast continued blackouts nationwide, with an expected peak-hour disruption of 1,535 MW.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Sancti Spíritus
Why is Circuit 119 receiving more electricity in Sancti Spíritus?
Circuit 119 is prioritized to ensure adequate living conditions for workers from other provinces who are building the Cabaiguán photovoltaic solar park. The hotel where these workers stay has generator issues, necessitating additional electricity allocation to this circuit.
How are other circuits affected by the prioritization of Circuit 119?
Residents in other circuits, like 116 and 117, report frequent power outages and difficulties accessing basic services. They contend that the prioritization of Circuit 119 has resulted in an unequal distribution of electricity.
What are the current challenges in managing electricity distribution in Sancti Spíritus?
Sancti Spíritus faces significant challenges due to insufficient energy supply and system fragility. With limited generation capacity and a high demand, the region struggles to implement organized distribution schemes, resulting in unpredictable and extended blackouts.
Will the construction of solar parks improve the energy situation soon?
The construction of solar parks is underway, but officials have stated that these will not provide immediate relief to the current energy crisis in Sancti Spíritus.