In the wake of persistent power outages and widespread unrest in Havana, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has once again deflected any blame away from his government. He stated unequivocally that, "the government is not to blame, the Revolution is not to blame, and our National Electric System is not to blame."
During a heavily orchestrated press conference on March 13, Díaz-Canel pointed fingers at the United States for exacerbating the island's energy crisis, claiming that Cuba had not received fuel shipments for the past three months.
The president noted that the nation's electrical grid is unstable, partly due to the recent depletion of diesel and fuel oil reserves, which had previously supported electricity generation during peak demand times. The lack of these resources has led to the shutdown of several distributed generation units that were contributing to the power supply.
Currently, Cuba's energy production relies heavily on domestic crude oil in thermoelectric plants, gas associated with oil extraction, and contributions from renewable sources. While Díaz-Canel reported that photovoltaic generation accounted for 49% to 51% of daytime electricity, he acknowledged the need to restrict its use to prevent further grid collapses.
Conspicuously absent from his remarks was any mention of the impact of years of mismanagement, lack of investment, or poor credit administration—internal factors that have caused an almost irreversible structural decline in the national electric system (SEN).
Díaz-Canel also failed to address the long-standing issue of extensive power outages, which have occurred for years, even when the country received tens of thousands of barrels of crude daily, some of which the government would resell.
Explaining the situation, Díaz-Canel said the depletion of fuel reserves led to the shutdown of generation engines in Moa and Mariel, significantly reducing the country's energy capacity and increasing nighttime power deficits. He claimed that, with adequate fuel, an additional 1,400 megawatts of distributed generation could be brought online.
The leader admitted that the system has experienced electrical collapses, including a recent "blackout" caused by the sudden failure of a generation unit, which created fluctuations in the national grid. The recovery was further hindered by the scarcity of fuel needed to restart thermoelectric plants and synchronize other power sources.
Without fuel supplies from Venezuela or Mexico, Cuba has been left dependent on heavy domestic crude, which increasingly damages the aging boilers of its thermoelectric plants.
Díaz-Canel acknowledged the social impact of the energy crisis, stating that some provinces have endured over 30-hour blackouts. These outages disrupt water supply, communications, medical services, transportation, education, and production.
Predictably, he laid the blame at the feet of the United States, despite previously denying any ongoing talks with U.S. officials. He revealed that discussions are, in fact, taking place to explore solutions to bilateral issues, led by himself and former leader Raúl Castro, in consultation with key figures in the Communist Party, the State, and the Government.
The presence of Colonel Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro (El Cangrejo), Raúl Castro's grandson and head of his security detail, at the meeting raised questions. Identified in media reports as linked to Cuba-U.S. talks, it's unclear whether he acts as a direct interlocutor or a messenger for his grandfather and the military elite. His attendance sparked speculation on social media about a potential family dynasty emerging in Cuba. Could Washington be blamed for this as well?
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily attributed to fuel shortages, outdated infrastructure, and internal mismanagement, along with external factors like U.S. sanctions.
How has the lack of fuel affected Cuba's power supply?
Fuel shortages have forced the shutdown of power generation units, significantly reducing the country's energy capacity and leading to widespread power outages.
What role does the U.S. play in Cuba's energy issues?
Cuban leaders blame U.S. sanctions for exacerbating their energy crisis, although internal factors also play a significant role in the island's ongoing power problems.