Amidst extended daily power outages lasting up to 10 hours, the Cuban government has initiated a series of stringent electricity restrictions that are significantly disrupting the daily lives and livelihoods of the population. During the X Plenum of the Communist Party's Central Committee, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, unveiled a harsh set of measures aimed at tackling the ongoing energy crisis: halting state office operations from Friday to Monday, reorganizing public services to minimize electricity consumption, and imposing targeted power cuts on private sectors exceeding their assigned consumption plans.
The government's rationale is to alleviate the burden on the national electrical system, which is on the brink of collapse due to years of neglect, inadequate maintenance, and inherent inefficiencies. However, the immediate repercussions are felt by the populace, who are already grappling with interrupted services, challenges in cooking, food storage, and working, all while enduring a stifling summer without even the minimal relief of a fan.
Recently, these measures have begun to be articulated in administrative councils across various regions, such as Calixto García and Manicaragua, in Villa Clara province. The local directives include:
- Prohibition of electricity use in carpentry shops and food processing centers from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Mandatory 5% reduction in consumption for all state and non-state entities classified as high consumers.
- 30% cutback in energy plans for state entities.
- Work hours restricted to Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., exempting essential services.
- Shift changes and closures of public institutions on Fridays, emphasizing the use of circuit breakers to completely shut off electricity.
Local officials, such as Alexander Santiesteban and Elizabeth Núñez, deputy municipal officers in the mentioned areas, state that the goal is "to conserve energy within the state sector to lessen the impact on the population." However, for ordinary citizens, this represents yet another tightening of the screws in an already precarious situation.
A particularly critical issue is the threat of power cuts to private businesses that exceed their consumption plans, at a time when many entrepreneurs are striving to keep their operations afloat using generators or alternative means. This could lead to further economic losses and layoffs, particularly in industries like gastronomy, entertainment, or digital services.
Far from being a time for relaxation or recreation, the summer of 2025 is starting for Cubans under the shadow of austerity, anxiety over prolonged blackouts, and mounting frustration. Although authorities claim these measures are "temporary," no structural solutions or investments have been announced to offer a short-term improvement to the national electrical system.
In neighborhoods, a single phrase is often heard: "There's no relief." The population, long accustomed to scarcity and unmet promises, now faces a new phase of endurance, as President Miguel Díaz-Canel likes to call it.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the new electricity-saving measures in Cuba?
The Cuban government has introduced measures such as shutting down state offices from Friday to Monday, reorganizing public services to reduce power use, and cutting electricity to private sectors exceeding consumption plans.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuban citizens?
Cubans are experiencing significant disruptions in daily life, including difficulties in cooking, storing food, and working, along with enduring extended power outages during the hot summer months.
Are there any long-term solutions to the Cuban energy crisis?
As of now, the Cuban government has not announced any structural solutions or investments that would provide a long-term fix for the national electrical system.