On Tuesday, Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the First Secretary of the Party in Granma, candidly admitted that with only 20 MW available, it's unfeasible to organize a stable blackout schedule in the province. This admission from a high-ranking official highlights the collapse of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN). “I am Yudelkis, the First Secretary of the Party in Granma, speaking from the responsibility I've assumed, fully aware of the sensitivity this issue demands,” she began in a Facebook post addressing users who commented on the prolonged blackouts.
Ortiz acknowledged that to even attempt a basic plan for power outages—consisting of 7 to 8 hours without service and 3 with service—at least 30 MW are needed. However, the province is currently operating with merely 20 MW and sometimes even less, a stark indication that the SEN is on the brink of a definitive collapse if the situation doesn't improve. “It's impossible to establish any stable planning,” she stated.
She explained that whenever units in the electrical system go offline due to breakdowns or fuel shortages, and when the national deficit exceeds 1,400 MW or even 2,000, it becomes unfeasible to implement a coherent schedule across the territories. Ortiz emphasized that attention is focused on critical needs: patients, newborns, mothers in labor, dialysis patients, surgical emergencies, and hospitals, many of which lack generators capable of operating 24 hours.
She also prioritized water pumping systems and tanker deliveries. “Some systems require 8, 9, or more hours of pumping to reach the last neighbor,” she pointed out, demonstrating that the people of Granma face not only extended blackouts but also challenges in accessing essential water supplies.
Efforts to Mitigate the Crisis
As a response, she mentioned minimizing the so-called “uninterruptible circuits,” keeping only those ensuring vital services. She also noted the construction of three photovoltaic parks in the province with an installed capacity of 21.8 MW, along with another in progress and two donated parks of 5 MW each. However, she conceded that these investments have yet to make a significant impact on overall service improvement, though areas near the installations fare better during daylight.
Ortiz concluded her message with a seemingly empathetic statement amid a crumbling province: “I speak not from empathy but as someone sharing the same situation alongside my family, bearing the responsibility as a public servant.” Essentially, she claimed to suffer the blackouts like any other citizen while calling for patience and solidarity, and remarkably, for eternal gratitude toward a revolution that can no longer provide light to the nation. “I leave you with what we cannot lose: love, hugs, solidarity, and respect for each other, and above all, the gratitude to never forget what this revolution has done for us. Let us not lose faith and hope, no matter how tough and difficult the moment,” she emphasized in a message that almost feels like mockery.
Understanding Cuba’s Energy Crisis
Why is the electricity system in Granma currently unstable?
The electricity system in Granma is unstable due to a significant shortfall in available power, operating with only 20 MW when at least 30 MW are needed for a basic blackout rotation. This shortfall is compounded by breakdowns and fuel shortages.
What measures are being taken to address the power crisis in Granma?
Measures include minimizing non-essential circuits and constructing photovoltaic parks to increase power capacity. However, these efforts have not yet broadly improved the situation.