Cuban Government Refutes Rumors of Three-Day Blackout: "National Electric System is Stable"

The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has officially denied rumors of a new three-day nationwide blackout starting this Friday. The company has labeled the circulating information as false, asserting that the current status of the National Electric System (SEN) is stable.

"FALSE. This information is incorrect. The National Electric System is stable, and no 'energy emergency' has been declared," the company stated on Facebook. "Once again, there is a failed attempt to spread misinformation among the public," the post emphasized.

This statement from the government addresses a message circulating on WhatsApp, warning consumers of an impending service cut, just days after the nation experienced a massive blackout, the fifth in less than a year.

The misleading message claimed, "We inform you that the situation within the National Electric System is critical. After extensive analysis by the National Load Dispatch, the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and the Council of Ministers, we have decided to declare an Energy Emergency for the next 72 hours starting at 12 am on September 12." It also falsely stated that most circuits nationwide would remain off, except for those of strategic interest, and that circuits currently powered would be shut down around midnight.

Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso also debunked the rumor on his Facebook page, stating, "False information is circulating about a supposed three-day blackout planned by the Electric Union. While the deficit-related impacts are significant, there is no plan to shut down the entire country for 72 hours."

The regime, wary of public discontent and its potential consequences, has countered the rumor through all available channels. "Critical moments like the recent SEN disconnection are exploited to undermine our population's level of information since no 'energy emergency' exists at this moment," expressed the Havana Electric Company, urging its users to stay informed through official channels.

The false message references the so-called "special regime of electrical contingency," which involves planned and sustained blackouts for more than 72 hours if the SEN fails to meet electricity demand. This "exception regime" is regulated by Decree 110 from November 2024, akin to "states of alarm, exception, and siege" common in other countries' constitutions, granting exceptional powers to authorities to tackle extraordinary and severe situations.

This regulatory framework, approved by the Cuban government, strengthens measures to control energy use amidst the ongoing crisis affecting the island. Under Decree 110, the Minister of Energy and Mines can propose this special regime to the Council of Ministers, who must approve or reject it within 48 hours. Upon approval, notification is made within 24 hours to the Central State Administration, provincial governments, and economic actors in the country.