The pledge to safeguard strategic circuits "in the interest of public welfare" was short-lived. Merely days after Granma's Electric Company announced the protection of key lines to ensure communication across several municipalities, authorities now report that they will proceed with disconnecting prioritized circuits, affecting both residential and private clients amid the worsening energy crisis.
According to a report by CNC TV Granma, the National Office for the Control of Rational Energy Use (ONURE) in the province has implemented new measures to tackle the country's "critical energy situation."
Laid Rodríguez Lara, the provincial director of the agency, explained on the program Perspectiva that this move is part of a strategy to distribute the available load "equitably" and minimize the impact on basic services.
This decision involves disconnecting circuits that had previously been considered prioritized, impacting both residential customers and private entities. Rodríguez Lara emphasized that there will be increased oversight over the consumption of new economic actors, who must strictly adhere to current regulations. She also confirmed that electrical supply will be prioritized for social and health institutions while maintaining constant surveillance over state and private consumption.
The announcement contrasts sharply with recent statements from Granma's Electric Company, which, in coordination with ETECSA, had assured the protection of strategic circuits in municipalities such as Niquero, Media Luna, Bartolomé Masó, Río Cauto, and Bayamo to maintain connectivity and essential services like the provincial Blood Bank. At that time, there was talk of technical alternatives and strategies for partial or complete service protection.
This new directive highlights the accelerated deterioration of the national electrical system, characterized by historic generation deficits, breakdowns in outdated thermoelectric plants, and a lack of fuel. During recent peak hours, electrical availability fell significantly short of demand, causing widespread outages nationwide.
While provinces like Granma announce further restrictions and blackouts that will now affect previously protected circuits, in Holguín, a hotel operated by the military conglomerate GAESA advertised a special beach dinner with full lighting and a festive atmosphere for foreign tourists.
Images of Hotel Playa Pesquero, showcasing elegantly set tables and luxury service by the sea, sparked outrage on social media due to the stark contrast with entire neighborhoods left in the dark for hours.
For many Cuban families, the disconnection of prioritized circuits means losing the few certainties left amid electrical instability, such as preserving food, charging phones to communicate with family abroad, or ensuring minimal conditions for sick individuals at home.
The official narrative continues to tout equity and collective well-being, yet in practice, the gap between privileged sectors and the general population grows increasingly apparent.
Impacts and Measures Amid Cuba's Energy Crisis
What measures is Granma taking to address the energy crisis?
Granma is implementing measures to disconnect prioritized circuits that were previously protected to equitably distribute the available electrical load and minimize the impact on basic services.
How does this decision affect Cuban families?
The disconnection of prioritized circuits results in increased uncertainty for Cuban families, impacting their ability to preserve food, charge communication devices, and maintain essential conditions for health and well-being.