This Thursday, a significant disruption in Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) has plunged much of the island into darkness, just as Tropical Storm Melissa looms. As the nation braces for possible heavy rains and strong winds, millions of Cubans are left in the dark, both literally and figuratively, as the authorities once again admit to a "partial failure" in the system without providing clear explanations.
The Electric Union (UNE) announced on Facebook that there had been a "partial disconnection of the SEN" and that investigations were underway to determine the cause. However, the short and vague statement only fueled further public outrage.
In mere moments, hundreds of comments flooded the post, reflecting the collective frustration of a country weary of daily blackouts and lack of transparency.
"Just leave it, there's never electricity anyway," one user sarcastically remarked, while another summed up the general sentiment: "They're already rehearsing before the cyclone hits."
Other Cubans, caught between sarcasm and anger, questioned the official narrative: "Oscillation of what and partial for whom... you have no shame," wrote one netizen.
"I can't believe this... how much longer, people," added another, as a third cynically warned: "Now it's partial, then it gets complicated, and bam, three days without power."
The digital scene became a mirror of national discontent. Each comment mixed irony, disbelief, and exhaustion in response to an electric system that collapses at the slightest voltage change.
"A breeze messes up the SEN," joked someone, while another wondered why "the circuit behind Etecsa in the Cardozo district never goes out, no matter the deficit in Villa Clara."
The blackout comes at a particularly critical moment. According to the latest SEN report, the generation deficit reached 1,818 MW, with only 1,550 MW available against a demand of 2,526 MW, pushing the system to the brink of total collapse. Fuel shortages and breakdowns at plants like Felton, Mariel, Renté, and Santa Cruz have stalled over 70 distributed generation stations.
This precarious situation is compounded by the threat of Melissa, which is slowly moving over the central Caribbean with sustained winds of 85 km/h and could intensify in the coming hours.
Both the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) and the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) have warned of potential heavy rains, storm surges, and flooding in eastern Cuba over the weekend.
In the face of meteorological threat, Cubans remain without power or information, precisely when they need it most. Without electricity, local radio stations and state TV channels are off the air, communication networks weaken, and the population loses its main source of guidance and alerts.
While the government repeats that "the causes are being investigated," the entire country finds itself once more in the same uncertain situation: a nation in darkness, without answers, and on the brink of disaster as nature threatens and the lights, quite literally, go out again.
Key Questions About Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the recent power outage in Cuba?
The recent outage was due to a reported "partial disconnection" in Cuba's National Electric System (SEN), although specific causes have not been clearly explained by the authorities.
How is Tropical Storm Melissa affecting Cuba?
Tropical Storm Melissa is advancing over the central Caribbean with sustained winds of 85 km/h, posing a threat of heavy rains, storm surges, and flooding in eastern Cuba.
What is being done to address the power crisis in Cuba?
The government states that they are investigating the causes of the power failure, but no specific actions or solutions have been publicly detailed.