This Wednesday, Cuba awoke to an almost complete blackout following a malfunction at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas, which led to a widespread power outage across nearly the entire country. In response to the collapse of the national electrical grid, the government announced that emergency systems have been activated in various regions.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) confirmed the implementation of "microgrid" systems to ensure service in locations deemed essential. According to Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Matanzas, the shutdown of the plant was due to a "false automatic signal" that necessitated a halt in operations. Meanwhile, he notes that the Guiteras plant is prepared to restart as soon as the necessary power becomes available.
The government has instructed the creation of small, independent electrical circuits, referred to as microgrids, to keep key facilities operational in different areas, including hospitals, water distribution centers, and military sites. Nevertheless, the majority of the population remains without electricity in most provinces.
Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) reported a total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) at 9:14 a.m. on Wednesday, resulting in a general blackout throughout the island. This system failure occurred just days after a complete blackout in eastern Cuba last Sunday.
Despite last year's promise by the regime to adopt a new strategy to ensure the "stability" of the SEN in case of disconnection, the energy crisis continues to worsen, leading to increasingly prolonged and frequent outages. The aging and poorly maintained thermoelectric plants struggle to meet national demand, compounded by delays in importing fuel, turning any malfunction into a nationwide disaster.
For citizens, the official solution of using "microgrids" is seen as merely a temporary fix for a failed system. While a select few receive power based on political priorities, the vast majority of Cubans endure long hours without electricity, severely affecting access to food, transportation, and communication.
The widespread blackout has reignited social discontent with a government unable to guarantee a basic service after more than six decades of total centralization. The promise to restart the Guiteras plant does little to quell the frustration of a populace that equates each new power cut with the failure of a model resistant to real solutions.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
A malfunction at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas resulted in a widespread power outage across the country.
What are microgrids, and how do they work in Cuba?
Microgrids are small, independent electrical circuits designed to maintain power in essential facilities like hospitals and military sites. In Cuba, they are activated to provide electricity to priority areas during major outages.
How does the energy crisis impact Cuban citizens?
The energy crisis leads to prolonged power outages, affecting access to food, transportation, and communication, significantly impacting daily life.