The province of Matanzas is grappling with one of the most severe electrical crises in recent years. In some areas, power outages have extended beyond 70 consecutive hours, with eight substations completely out of commission. This dire situation was highlighted in a recent assessment by provincial Party and Government authorities, as reported by the state-run newspaper Periódico Girón.
According to Kenny Cruz González, the technical deputy director of the Provincial Electric Company, four substations—Lagunilla, Carbonera, Fine, and Bolondrón—have ceased operations due to technical failures. The remaining four—Mexico, Gratitud, Manuelito, and San Joaquín—were rendered inoperative following the theft of dielectric oil from their transformers.
The theft of this vital resource significantly exacerbates the energy crisis in the region. Dielectric oil is crucial for cooling electrical transformers, yet it is being sold on the black market as an alternative fuel for agricultural machinery, fetching prices between 600 and over 1,000 pesos per liter.
The situation worsened on June 27, when authorities reported the theft of more than a thousand liters of this oil across various locations in the province.
The Impact of Infrastructure Deterioration
Compounding the crisis is the deteriorating state of the electrical infrastructure. At present, 63 transformers are non-functional throughout the province, many with damage that has persisted since May, making replacement challenging.
The municipalities of Cárdenas and Jovellanos are experiencing the highest number of unresolved outages, primarily due to a fuel shortage that has stalled numerous maintenance brigades.
Historical Vulnerability and Current Challenges
Matanzas has long been vulnerable, historically recording the nation's highest "maximum outage" capacity at 174 megawatts spread over 123 circuits, against an average demand of 238 MW. This disparity makes it particularly susceptible to any disruptions in the National Electric System.
The situation is further complicated by the instability of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant located in the province, which is considered Cuba's main power generator. The plant has experienced 16 shutdowns in 2026 alone, the most recent on June 24 due to a boiler water loss.
This provincial crisis is a microcosm of the broader energy collapse faced by Cuba. The Electric Union (UNE) forecasts a generation shortfall of 2,052 MW for this Tuesday, with only 1,148 MW available against an anticipated demand of 3,200 MW, leaving much of the country in prolonged darkness.
Additional Struggles for the Population
Energy issues coincide with other challenges affecting residents. Over 500 tons of rice remain undelivered due to transportation problems, and the distribution of peas is also delayed.
Financially, the pension payout reaches 80% at the Bank of Credit and Commerce (Bandec) and 90% at the Popular Savings Bank (BPA). However, municipalities like Colón and Perico continue to face significant cash shortages.
During a meeting, Governor Marieta Poey Zamora acknowledged the harsh conditions elderly citizens endure, waiting for hours under the scorching sun outside bank branches to receive their pensions.
"We need to find strategies to avoid overcrowding at banks. The sun is too harsh, the heat is unbearable, and these are vulnerable elderly people," she stated.
Poey Zamora also urged enhancements in the Family Attention Systems (SAF) amid extended power outages and the onset of school holidays.
"The SAF must enhance their offerings. It's necessary to prepare croquettes, hamburgers, fritters... We have children at home on vacation, so increasing production everywhere is imperative," she emphasized.
Matanzas Power Outage Crisis: Key Questions
What is causing the power outages in Matanzas?
The outages are primarily due to technical failures in several substations and the theft of dielectric oil, crucial for transformer operation.
How is the theft of dielectric oil affecting the crisis?
The oil theft worsens the crisis by disabling transformers, as the oil is sold on the black market, depriving the electric grid of essential cooling resources.
Which areas in Matanzas are most affected by the outages?
Cárdenas and Jovellanos are among the worst affected, with numerous unresolved outages due to fuel shortages impacting maintenance efforts.