This past Sunday, the Electric Union (UNE) released an official update on the state of the National Electric System (SEN), acknowledging power outages throughout the 24 hours of Saturday. Despite a "slightly lower" deficit compared to the previous day, millions of Cubans were left without electricity during peak hours of demand.
The state-run company reported that, as of the early hours of August 24, 1,288 MW were offline due to generation deficits, with a forecast of 1,525 MW during the nighttime peak. Although units in Cienfuegos and Santa Cruz came online, and photovoltaic solar parks contributed 488 MW at their peak, the total availability of 1,950 MW was far below the national demand, estimated at 3,185 MW.
"For the peak hours, it is expected that 100 MW from distributed generation engines that are currently offline due to fuel shortages will come online, along with 158 MW from unit 3 of the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant and 50 MW from unit 1 in Santa Cruz," the UNE noted in their Sunday report. They also stated, "With this forecast, during peak hours, availability is estimated at 2,245 MW against a maximum demand of 3,700 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,455 MW. If conditions persist, a 1,525 MW outage is predicted for this period."
Despite the seemingly improved figures, Cubans greeted the official report with skepticism, irony, and frustration. A resident from the eastern province of Granma aptly illustrated the sentiment.
"Eleven hours straight with electricity in Campechuela. It felt like living in a fairy tale," a Facebook user posted on the UNE’s page on Sunday. Others warned that he would soon face over 20 hours without power, as the discussion veered into familiar topics: government responsibility and the stark contrast between the populace’s suffering and the elite’s excesses.
Comments highlighted the widespread exhaustion felt by users (all of Cuba) of the state-run company. "We continue facing more blackouts, no water, no medicine, no food. This is abusive," lamented a woman from Matanzas. Another resident from Jagüey Grande questioned the lack of a schedule: "The situation is made more difficult because we don’t know when or for how long the power will be cut."
The regime’s supposed investment in solar parks also fails to convince. "There are more and more photovoltaic parks, yet they produce less and less. Are they not cleaning the panels, or are they already damaged?" one reader asked, sparking dozens of mocking and distrustful reactions.
Far from providing relief, the UNE’s daily updates have become a reminder of Miguel Díaz-Canel's government's inability to address the structural crisis. As one commentator summed up: "This is not a technical issue. It’s the failure of a model that only knows how to produce more blackouts, more misery, and more despair."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily due to deficits in energy generation, with insufficient capacity to meet national demand, compounded by outdated infrastructure and lack of resources.
How are Cubans reacting to the energy situation?
Cubans are expressing skepticism, frustration, and anger towards the government's handling of the energy crisis, often highlighting the contrast between the hardships faced by the public and the privileges of the elite.
What role do solar parks play in Cuba's energy strategy?
Solar parks are part of Cuba's strategy to increase renewable energy sources. However, their effectiveness is questioned due to issues with maintenance and reduced output.