The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba has led to what the government calls "innovative solutions," although they primarily serve to tighten state control over everyday life, especially as power outages become more frequent. Currently, the spotlight is on private electrical generators.
Starting this Wednesday, residents of Puerto Padre in Las Tunas province must participate in a mandatory census of internal combustion generators providing electricity. The registration process is being conducted at the local Audit Office, located at 60 Lenin Street, from 8:00 a.m. to noon, as reported by the state-run Periódico 26.
Liliana Betancourt Ballaga, head of the Municipal Government's Insurance Unit, told Radio Libertad that owners must present their ID cards, the generator's legal documentation, and their ration books to be included in the census. Surprisingly, they are not required to bring the actual generator.
The stated purpose of this process is to determine who will be eligible to receive fuel distribution through the digital platform Ticket, which will be the means to supply generators amidst the fuel shortage. A similar initiative is already underway in Las Tunas city, the provincial capital, and upon completion, at least three municipalities will permit gasoline sales to power private generators, regarded by many as vital during frequent blackouts.
This increased regulation over generator usage is part of a series of bureaucratic measures restricting access to essential resources in a country where state electricity generation is increasingly inadequate. Although government oversight of generator use isn't new, it has intensified recently. In Havana, the government previously conducted a similar census to regulate who could receive fuel amidst a severe shortage affecting homes and businesses.
In 2022, the CIMEX corporation imposed strict limits on fuel sales to generator owners, forcing many Cubans to endure long lines at gas stations. This was notably evident in Holguín, where residents brought their generators to service stations in hopes of acquiring gasoline.
As these controls are implemented, Cuba continues to suffer from increasingly prolonged blackouts that devastate the island and compel families to rely on private generators.
Understanding Generator Registration in Cuba
Why are Cubans required to register their generators?
The Cuban government mandates the registration of generators to control fuel distribution amid a shortage, ensuring that only registered owners can access fuel through the digital platform Ticket.
What documents are needed to register a generator?
Owners must present their ID card, the generator's legal documents, and their ration book to register the generator in the census.
How does this registration process affect fuel access?
Once registered, owners can access fuel through the Ticket platform, which is critical during fuel shortages, as it allows them to keep their generators running during frequent blackouts.