On Thursday, Miguel Díaz-Canel once again pointed fingers at the U.S. embargo as the reason behind the enduring blackouts affecting millions of Cubans. He shared a Facebook video featuring Rubén Campos, the director of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, who asserted that the facility is "Cuba's industry most impacted by the tightening of the blockade." The leader accompanied the video with comments describing it as a "simple, clear, and graphic" explanation of the harsh daily reality faced by Guiteras workers. This was an attempt to directly link the electrical crisis to Washington's sanctions. "If you've ever wondered how the blockade is related to the blackouts, here's your answer," he wrote.
"No Exaggeration"
In the video, Campos explained that the circumstances took a sharp turn in 2015, when U.S.-based General Electric acquired the French company Alstom, which was originally responsible for the plant's manufacture and maintenance. This acquisition left Guiteras without the necessary support for critical components as Alstom exited the financing and supply framework.
Campos provided specific instances: pumps and valves were sent back from Jamaica to France because they contained U.S.-origin parts, million-dollar speed regulators were never delivered despite being paid for, and foreign experts canceled trips to Cuba last minute due to external pressures. "You might have funds, but without a bank to work with, it's as if you have nothing. It's very challenging. There is constant scrutiny from the empire towards us," he expressed. "This is the blockade's reality, and believe me, I'm not exaggerating at all."
Perpetuating the Official Narrative
The statements by Campos and Díaz-Canel's post join a long series of official justifications. In May, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, stated during the Round Table that "the blackouts are a result of the criminal American blockade, not just talk."
The director of the Electric Union acknowledged in the same forum that the system's state was "severe" and that they couldn't rotate circuits due to the deficit's extent. More recently, Díaz-Canel called for "improving the electrical schedule" to distribute blackouts more equitably, admitting that some provinces endure over 25 consecutive hours without power, while others experience fewer outages.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Cuban Energy
How do U.S. sanctions affect the Guiteras Power Plant?
The sanctions prevent critical parts from being delivered and create financial obstacles, making it difficult for the plant to maintain operations effectively.
What changes occurred in 2015 that impacted the plant's maintenance?
In 2015, General Electric acquired Alstom, the original manufacturer and maintainer of the plant, which disrupted the financing and supply chain for critical components.
Why can't Cuba rotate circuits to manage the blackouts?
The magnitude of the deficit in the electrical system makes it impossible to rotate circuits effectively, leading to prolonged outages in certain areas.