Amid a summer plagued by power outages lasting up to 20 hours, the Las Tunas Power Company has shifted the blame onto its consumers, claiming that the use of air conditioners and electric stoves is overwhelming transformers throughout the province. Anislei Santiesteban Velázquez, the company's technical director, informed local media that coastal areas, where many vacationers flock, see homes left empty with appliances still running while their owners enjoy the beach—a practice he described as "unnecessary waste."
The official urged residents to conserve energy and manage their consumption more effectively, especially during peak hours, to prevent "system overload" and transformer damage. However, this official narrative starkly contrasts with the lived experience of countless Cuban families. Instead of the promised "summer with only four hours of blackout," as announced in May by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, Cubans have endured excruciatingly long stretches of up to 20 hours without power. For many, air conditioning has become an unattainable luxury, and cooking with electricity is a daily challenge due to frequent outages.
The disconnect between the government's optimistic promises and the harsh reality faced by the public has become intolerable. On social media, frustrated Cubans have summed up the situation with remarks such as, "This is more than an electrical failure; it's a political blackout." To many, the true crisis extends beyond the transformers in Las Tunas to a system unable to provide basic services.
Outrage is also directed at the core of Cuba's economy. While citizens are blamed for leaving air conditioners on, investigative reports have highlighted that the military conglomerate GAESA controls over $18 billion. Even a small portion of these funds could repair power plants, purchase fuel, and significantly reduce blackouts, yet the money is diverted to luxury hotels like the Torre K23 in Havana, which consumes nearly 2 MW continuously.
This glaring contradiction fosters the perception that the crisis is not technical but political. The resources are there, but they are allocated to tourism projects instead of improving everyday life for Cubans. For the residents of Las Tunas and Cubans in general, the reality of the summer of 2025 is not one of electricity-guaranteed beaches, but rather sleepless nights, spoiled meals, and unbearable heat. As officials call for "conservation" and blame domestic appliance use, the patience of most families is wearing thin.
"This isn't life; it's abuse," one Cuban wrote on social media. Every comment reflects the belief that the darkness enveloping Cuba is not just due to a lack of power, but the absence of a clear future.
Key Questions About Cuba's Power Crisis
What are the main causes of the frequent blackouts in Cuba?
The primary causes include an outdated and overloaded power grid, insufficient maintenance of infrastructure, and misallocation of resources that prioritizes tourism over essential services.
How are Cuban citizens responding to the power outages?
Cubans are expressing their frustration on social media, highlighting the disconnect between government promises and reality, and criticizing the allocation of resources to tourism projects instead of basic services.
What solutions could alleviate Cuba's blackout issues?
Investing in the repair and upgrade of power plants, purchasing additional fuel, and redirecting funds currently used for tourism projects could significantly reduce blackouts and improve daily life for Cubans.