The U.S. Department of State has attributed the loss of one of Cuba's last reliable electricity sources to the Cuban regime's economic mismanagement and its officials' corruption. "Their officials have stolen so much that the regime can't even pay its bills anymore. Investors and suppliers worldwide should take note," stated the Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs in a message on X.
Washington's message emphasized that ultimately, it is the Cuban people who suffer the most, enduring even longer daily power outages due to the regime's criminal ineptitude. This statement comes after the departure of the Turkish power barge, Karadeniz Powership, from Havana's port. The barge was part of a floating power generation solution contracted by the Cuban government to alleviate the country's electricity deficit.
The vessel left in early August due to non-payment and other contractual breaches, worsening Cuba's already tense energy situation. In response, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, labeled the U.S. message as "vile and cynical" on the same social media platform. He further accused Washington of ignoring the economic blockade, reinforcement measures, and the pursuit of finances and fuel supplies that, according to Havana, exacerbate the crisis.
The loss of the Turkish power barge is a significant blow to Cuba's fragile national power system, which frequently suffers from blackouts due to outdated thermoelectric plants, breakdowns, and fuel shortages. Without the contribution of this floating plant, it is anticipated that daily power outages for the population will increase.
Recently, a persistent question has emerged on Cuban social media: How many power plants could be built with the $18 billion controlled by the Business Administration Group S.A. (GAESA) of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR)? This concern was reignited by Javier Bobadilla's comment on Facebook, suggesting that with such funds, Cuba's power generation capacity could be quintupled and there would still be money left to purchase oil.
Cuban Power Crisis: Key Questions Answered
Why did the Turkish power barge leave Cuba?
The Turkish power barge left Cuba due to non-payment and other contractual breaches by the Cuban government.
What impact does the departure of the power barge have on Cuba?
The departure of the power barge exacerbates Cuba's energy crisis, likely increasing the duration of daily power outages.
How is the U.S. involved in Cuba's energy crisis?
The U.S. blames the Cuban regime's corruption and economic mismanagement for the crisis and has criticized its inability to pay for energy resources.