On Monday, Susely Morfa González, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Villa Clara, took to Facebook to laud the opening of a new equipment charging station in the Sandino district of Santa Clara. She attributed the initiative to the state-run Empresa Eléctrica, even though it is actually a venture by a private microenterprise.
The newly inaugurated facility, named LEOS, is managed by Leandro Prada Santana, a private entrepreneur. This solar charging station was announced on July 19 as the third in Santa Clara, with its official opening scheduled for July 24.
In her posts, Morfa wrote, "The Electric Company is a model of seeking alternatives and new services. Its director Justo leads by a sensitive example for the good of the people. Thank you, old friend, we appreciate and love you very much."
Photos from the event, taken at 11:16 a.m. on July 27, capture a golden ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the facility, which features 18 solar panels, Cuban flags, and the slogan "ENJOY TODAY, CHARGE YOUR TOMORROW."
The installation boasts a capacity of 12 kW with a 20 kW battery backup, providing free cooking, phone charging, and fan services to over 100 families suffering from power outages lasting up to five consecutive days. It operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The credit given to the state Electric Company starkly contrasts with the private nature of the project, reflecting a recurring pattern in Villa Clara where the provincial government claims credit for energy solutions driven by the non-state sector due to the National Electric System's shortcomings.
Villa Clara is grappling with a severe electricity generation crisis, which, in March 2026, left the province with a mere 23 MW available, far below the local demand.
Community Solar Stations as a Response to the Energy Crisis
In response, community solar stations, primarily operated by microenterprises, have proliferated. The first solar station in Santa Clara was launched on April 4, 2026, in the Virginia area, operated by the microenterprise Eléctrica Total, featuring 56 solar panels and a capacity of 30 kW.
Morfa had previously promoted a free charging station in March 2026 as part of an energy crisis response, adopting a strategy of on-ground visibility that includes visits to facilities and frequent social media updates.
On July 23, the official Granma newspaper acknowledged the role of eight solar stations created by non-state actors in Villa Clara, with plans to add three more, and praised the province in the competition for the Moncada anniversary.
The opening of LEOS came a day after this national holiday, in what the dossier describes as an institutional propaganda setting surrounding July 26, despite the station's private origin and management.
In her second post, Morfa added, "The community appreciates every new service for the community's benefit, an excellent work," without ever mentioning the private entrepreneur who built and finances the solar station.
Understanding Villa Clara's Energy Initiatives
What is the role of private microenterprises in Villa Clara's energy sector?
Private microenterprises in Villa Clara have been instrumental in addressing the local energy crisis by establishing community solar stations, which provide essential services like cooking and phone charging during frequent power outages.
How does the government of Villa Clara present energy projects?
The government often presents energy projects as its own initiatives, even when driven by the private sector, as part of a strategy to show proactive solutions amid the systemic failure of the National Electric System.
What challenges does Villa Clara face regarding electricity supply?
Villa Clara faces significant challenges with electricity supply, having only 23 MW available against the demand, leading to frequent and prolonged power outages affecting local communities.