Journalist Criticizes Uneven Power Outages After 22-Hour Blackout in Matanzas: "In the Special Period, Schedules Were Followed"

Official journalist José Miguel Solís, an expert on electrical issues in Matanzas, took to social media to express his frustration after enduring a 22-hour and 15-minute power outage. He called for fairness in the distribution of blackouts, pointing out that during the Special Period, despite lengthy disruptions, "schedules were adhered to."

"Yes, 22 hours and 15 minutes today... This needs to be reviewed," Solís wrote in an initial post that sparked debate about the current management of the electrical system. Later, he expanded on his thoughts, comparing today's crisis with the situation in the 1990s: "Back in the 90s, blackouts were planned meticulously, often lasting up to 20 hours, but there was a prevailing sense of fairness, extreme collective reasoning, and timely explanations."

Comparing Past and Present Challenges

In his analysis, Solís recalled how even without modern technology, schedules were followed: "During the 90s, the so-called Special Period, we learned basic math. Today, we're dealing with advanced mathematics, and back then, without computers or cell phones, and using graph paper, blackout schedules of up to 18 hours were adhered to. The outages were rotated, and everyone received the same treatment, except for prioritized circuits."

Current Inequities and Lack of Control

The journalist criticized the current inequity and lack of control: "Today, the inequity is at an extreme level (and micro, small, and medium enterprises and self-employed workers have nothing to do with it). Some receive up to 10 hours or more of power, while others go for weeks with only two hours of electricity, or endure 36-hour periods without power, not due to circuit interruptions, but because of decisions made by someone within the Electric Company."

He also questioned the lack of oversight: "To verify, check the records of the Load Dispatch and see the MI1505 circuit (Reparto Iglesias). I ask those of you who vowed to work for the people, do you check daily how and what happens with the distribution from the previous day? The most notable issue is the lack of explanation."

Listening to the People's Voices

Solís suggested that authorities should listen to the public: "It would be worthwhile to take the time to offer opinions and suggestions because human endeavors are not perfect, but they are improvable if built on collective experiences and knowledge in a climate of possible fairness."

A Nation in Darkness: Guiteras Power Plant Offline

The complaint comes as the National Electrical System (SEN) faces a severe crisis due to the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest generating unit in the country, located in Matanzas. The plant, which can provide up to 220 MW, has suffered three major breakdowns in July. Although it may synchronize soon, authorities admit it will not operate at optimal conditions. The lack of major maintenance since its inauguration in 1989 has made the Guiteras a vulnerable point in the system.

The electrical deficit exceeds 2,000 MW, leading to massive blackouts of up to 20 hours daily in several provinces.

Havana and Other Provinces: Insufficient Reorganization

In Havana, the electric company announced a redistribution of blocks to reduce disruptions, but in practice, outages lasting over 10 hours persist. Recently, blackouts have lasted up to 19 hours. In provinces like Granma, Las Tunas, and Cienfuegos, the situation is even more dire, with interruptions exceeding 24 hours and homes having electricity for just one or two hours a day.

Growing Frustration and Official Silence

While the government claims to be working on "balancing" the blackouts, complaints are proliferating on social media about spoiled food, lack of water, and extreme heat.