In the midst of a severe energy crisis causing widespread blackouts across Cuba, the "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" Power Plant in Cienfuegos shared a poem on its official Facebook page this Wednesday, honoring its workers. Meanwhile, millions of Cubans continue to endure extended power outages due to the critical state of the National Electric System.
The poem, which possesses a lyrical tone, pays tribute to the plant's employees, describing them as individuals working "where light is born, where heat transforms into energy, where effort becomes current traveling through cables to every home."
Concluding with a poignant reflection on family, the poem describes it as "the most important light," providing "an embrace that requires no plug."
Accompanied by hashtags like #UnidosXCuba, #Cienfuegos, and #Cuba, the post was shared alongside a "positive" mood, in collaboration with the Electric Union (UNE).
The poem's release occurs against a backdrop of blackouts exceeding 24 hours in various regions of the country, with a generation shortfall still above 2,000 megawatts.
Ongoing Energy Deficit
On July 10, Cuba recorded a record deficit of 2,341 MW, with just 935 MW available against a demand of 3,100 MW. This Tuesday, the expected shortfall again surpassed 2,100 MW, according to official reports from the Electric Union.
Ironically, the Cienfuegos Power Plant itself has been at the center of several failures exacerbating the energy crisis in recent months. On July 9, Unit 4 was taken offline due to a generator voltage regulator failure, while an unexpected shutdown in May 2026 from the same plant further strained the National Electric System.
Nationwide Blackouts in 2026
The electrical crisis has intensified this year, with Cuba experiencing at least five nationwide blackouts in 2026. The latest occurred on July 14, following the shutdown of Felton 1 unit in Holguín.
Since then, power cuts have extended beyond 30 hours in parts of Havana and up to 87 consecutive hours in certain municipalities of Matanzas, as reported by DW and Infobae.
Public Reactions to Optimistic Messages
This isn't the first instance of an optimistic message from the electrical sector amid the energy crisis. Back in August 2025, social media users responded with criticism and mockery to a message from the Electric Union regarding the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant. Similarly, in June of this year, the Guantánamo Electric Company released a text titled "Voices that Illuminate" to highlight its call center's efforts, even as the province faced blackouts lasting up to 20 hours daily. The very next day, a 110 kV line failure left much of the area without power.
Despite ongoing power outages, the Cuban government continues to blame the U.S. embargo for the crisis. On July 10, Miguel Díaz-Canel called for better organization of blackouts, yet failed to announce any structural measures to address the deteriorating electrical system.
One reaction to the poem from the Cienfuegos Power Plant captured the sentiment of many: "Without energy, no country can develop, without energy, there is no life."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the prolonged blackouts in Cuba?
The prolonged blackouts are primarily due to a severe deficit in power generation capacity, with a shortfall exceeding 2,000 megawatts, exacerbated by equipment failures and lack of structural improvements to the electrical system.
How has the Cienfuegos Power Plant contributed to the energy crisis?
The Cienfuegos Power Plant has contributed to the crisis through several equipment failures, including a recent generator voltage regulator fault, leading to significant power outages.