The Electric Company in Holguín reiterated its request this Saturday for residents to turn on their appliances slowly when the power is restored. This step is crucial to prevent overloading the grid and causing further outages.
The statement, shared with the hashtags #ElectricCulture and #CommitmentUnitesUs, highlights that if everyone simultaneously powers up high-consumption devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, and ovens, the grid could become overwhelmed, leading to more blackouts.
This appeal mirrors a similar one made by the company on June 28, underlining that the issue remains unresolved.
The announcement prompted a wave of criticism and mockery in the comments section. "When the power returns, I'm even going to turn on my electric broom," one resident quipped.
Another was more straightforward: "With the little electricity we get, if you turn things on gradually, you'll run out of time before you finish."
Many from Holguín pointed out the discrepancy between the official advice and their reality. "So, tell us how to power refrigerators, stoves, phones, fans, and more in just three hours," one frustrated user demanded.
Another comment summarized the absurdity with specific numbers: "Today I had power for 1 hour and 45 minutes; if I turn on one device every 15 minutes, I can only manage six."
"The solution is having electricity 24/7, that's the norm, right?" concluded a commenter, encapsulating what the Electric Company seems unable to provide.
This advisory comes amid an extreme energy crisis. Holguín, the province with the second-highest number of electric customers in Cuba—about 383,180—has access to just 70 MW of power against a peak demand of 240 MW, which is less than 30% of what's needed.
Of these 70 MW, 26 are allocated to essential services and around 20 to the nickel industry, leaving only 14 MW for a residential demand estimated at 190 MW.
The practical outcome is that most residential circuits receive only about three hours of electricity, followed by power cuts lasting more than 50 hours, with some neighborhoods going up to 51 consecutive hours without service.
The company's general director, Ruber Reynaldo González, acknowledged that the simultaneous activation of appliances after such extended outages causes consumption spikes between 180% and 200%, leading to transformer failures due to overheating.
González also admitted that each circuit restoration damages 10 to 20 transformers, yet the company can only supply six replacements for every 25 damaged.
The crisis worsens in the national context. On Friday, July 10, Cuba experienced its fourth nationwide blackout of the year, with only 935 MW available against a demand of 3,100 MW. This Saturday, the Electric Union (UNE) announced a partial system reconnection from Santa Clara to Holguín amid these extreme conditions.
Understanding Holguín's Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Holguín?
The power outages in Holguín are primarily due to insufficient electricity supply compared to the high demand, compounded by a lack of adequate infrastructure to handle consumption spikes.
How does the Electric Company suggest residents manage power restoration?
The Electric Company advises residents to gradually power on appliances to prevent overloading the electrical grid, which could lead to further outages.
Why is there criticism from residents about the company's advice?
Residents criticize the company's advice because the limited power supply and duration make it impractical to gradually turn on appliances within the short time electricity is available.