In the aftermath of spontaneous protests erupting in various areas of Cuba's capital due to ongoing power outages, Havana's Electric Company confirmed on Tuesday that all six of the city's power blocks are simultaneously compromised, deepening the energy crisis that has plagued residents for months.
According to the latest update shared on Telegram by the state-run entity, there is currently a reported shortfall of 277 MW, affecting numerous circuits across all of Havana's power blocks:
Block 2 (Emergency): 5.3 hours of disruption
Block 1 (Emergency): 4.3 hours
Block 4 (Emergency): 2.3 hours
Block 5 (Emergency): 1.5 hours
Block 6 (Emergency): 1.1 hours
Block 3 (Emergency): Duration not specified
The Electric Company refrained from providing detailed technical explanations, merely listing the disruptions, thereby adding to the increasingly dire situation for Havana's residents.
Internet Blackout and Heightened Tensions Post-Outage
The official update follows the regime's decision to cut mobile internet services in several neighborhoods of the capital, aiming to curb the spread of videos and citizen calls during the nocturnal protests.
Residents in districts such as Marianao, La Lisa, and East Havana reported power outages lasting over 10 continuous hours, sparking pot-banging protests, shouting, street blockades, and a significant police presence.
The information blackout, coupled with plainclothes officers and police patrols, echoes digital repression tactics previously employed by the government during the July 2021 protests and other recent demonstrations.
Endless "Emergency Mode" Power Cuts as Crisis Deepens
The repeated reference to "emergency blocks" highlights that the capital continues to operate under a critical rationing scheme, where demand far exceeds available generation capacity.
Havana, traditionally prioritized over the rest of the country, now faces simultaneous failures across all its power blocks, a rare occurrence even during past severe energy crises.
With authorities yet to present a recovery timeline or an explanation for the system's actual status, the populace endures prolonged blackouts, disrupted workdays, and fears of potential new protests.
This unfolds amidst growing social unrest, an extended summer of extreme heat, and an energy infrastructure failing to meet the basic demands of the nation's capital.
No Light at the End of the Tunnel
Cuba awoke on Tuesday on the brink of another energy collapse. The report from the National Electric System (SEN) released by the Electric Union (UNE) forecasts a nighttime peak shortfall of 1,900 megawatts (MW) with possible disruptions reaching 1,970 MW, numbers that signal another day of widespread blackouts across the island.
Havana's Energy Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What triggered the recent protests in Havana?
The recent protests in Havana were sparked by extended power outages, leading residents to express their frustrations through spontaneous demonstrations.
How is the energy crisis affecting daily life in Havana?
The energy crisis in Havana has resulted in prolonged blackouts, disrupted work schedules, and increased social tension, leaving residents struggling to cope with extreme heat and uncertainty.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the protests?
In response to the protests, the Cuban government has cut mobile internet services to prevent the dissemination of protest-related content, alongside deploying increased police presence.