The Electric Company in Granma revealed on Saturday that a significant portion of its municipalities remains without power after Hurricane Melissa swept through. While some circuits and crucial hospitals are gradually being restored, criticism mounts over the lack of timely information.
Currently, only the hospitals Celia Sánchez Manduley, Hermanos Cordovés, and Fe del Valle have electrical service, along with parts of Pilón, Guisa, Campechuela Pueblo, and Banda Ecil, which maintain connections for communication purposes with the provincial dispatch. This update was shared in the daily recovery report of the electric system, broadcasted by CMKX Radio Bayamo via its Facebook page.
However, the report confirmed the collapse of the microsystem that supplied electricity to Bayamo municipality, where efforts to resynchronize the grid have already begun.
Additionally, it was noted that the La Sabana Photovoltaic Solar Park is prepared to be reintegrated into the National Electric System (SEN).
Efforts and Challenges in Power Restoration
The day's efforts are focused on repairing transmission substations in Rio Cauto, one of the hardest-hit areas. Authorities announced the arrival of the “Ignacio Agramonte” contingent from the Electric Company of Camagüey, aiming to expedite recovery efforts.
Nonetheless, residents continue to express grievances on social media, reporting that many areas in Bayamo, Veguita, Manzanillo, and Campechuela remain in the dark.
“Since Tuesday, there's been no electricity in Veguita, and the news claimed we weren't affected. What world are we living in?” one user commented.
Others claim that “only the special circuit in Bayamo has power, while the rest are in complete darkness.”
Need for Improved Communication
Several citizens have called for better communication with the public. Adrián Acosta Rosales suggested disseminating daily updates via “Party propaganda cars” on the streets due to the lack of charge in mobile devices.
Provincial authorities have emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with fallen cables and reporting outages through official channels at 188-88. They acknowledged that safe access to several settlements is still impossible, complicating repair efforts.
The National Electric System (SEN) faces another challenging day on Saturday, November 1st, with widespread blackouts nationwide and an especially dire situation in eastern Cuba. The hurricane left behind floods, structural damage, and hundreds of communities without electricity.
During the evening peak hours, the electric system anticipates a deficit of 1,090 MW, potentially leading to blackouts exceeding 10 hours in most provinces.
The eastern regions will continue to bear the brunt of these issues, as Hurricane Melissa left behind fallen power lines, damaged transformers, and flooded substations.
Key Issues and Responses Post-Hurricane Melissa
What areas have regained power in Granma?
Currently, electrical service has been restored to hospitals such as Celia Sánchez Manduley, Hermanos Cordovés, and Fe del Valle, as well as parts of Pilón, Guisa, Campechuela Pueblo, and Banda Ecil.
What measures are being taken to restore power?
Efforts are focused on repairing transmission substations, particularly in Rio Cauto, and the “Ignacio Agramonte” contingent from Camagüey has arrived to assist with recovery.
What is the anticipated power deficit during peak hours?
The National Electric System expects a deficit of 1,090 MW, potentially resulting in blackouts lasting over 10 hours in most provinces during peak evening hours.