Two individuals have been apprehended, while another pair managed to escape following an attempted theft of dielectric oil from an electrical substation in Santiago de Cuba. This incident is part of a troubling series of thefts that have severely impacted the province's energy infrastructure.
The Santiago de Cuba Electric Company reported on Thursday that the attempted theft occurred on the night of September 2 at the Sevilla Substation, commonly referred to as "La Redonda."
According to the company, local residents and the operational guard caught two individuals red-handed while they were trying to siphon oil from a transformer. At the scene, they recovered containers and hoses that were allegedly intended to extract and store the oil.
Two other suspects reportedly involved in the incident managed to flee. The electric company did not disclose their identities nor confirm whether authorities are actively searching for them.
Impact of Dielectric Oil Theft on Electrical Supply
"This is not a minor incident," warned the company, emphasizing that the removal of dielectric oil could disable a transformer and lead to further disruptions in the power supply. The oil is crucial for insulation and cooling within transformers; its absence can cause breakdowns and leave dependent areas without electricity for extended periods.
The "La Redonda" substation had previously experienced similar incidents. In response to these past events, additional security measures were implemented to mitigate the risk of theft and safeguard the facility.
"Nonetheless, these events highlight the necessity for continuous prevention and vigilance," the company stated, expressing gratitude to the alert residents and the operational guard for their intervention.
Legal and Regional Context of the Incident
The Electric Company declared that the incident would be treated as sabotage since it targeted a critical electrical system installation. This classification is supported by Ruling 475 from the Supreme People's Court, approved in May 2025, which stipulates that theft, damage, or alteration of components affecting the National Electrical System and other critical infrastructure may constitute sabotage under Article 125 of the Penal Code.
This new incident comes shortly after reports indicated that Santiago de Cuba is among the top five provinces with the highest incidence of dielectric oil thefts, alongside Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, Mayabeque, and Artemisa.
According to figures released by the Prosecutor's Office, over 460 criminal investigations were initiated between 2025 and the first half of 2026 for offenses against the National Electrical System, with more than 300 cases specifically involving the theft of transformer oil.
Santiago de Cuba has faced several severe cases in recent months. On August 20, it was reported that the theft of transformer oil left the province's Molecular Medicine Center without electricity. As a result, a critically ill patient's samples had to be transported to Granma for processing due to the lack of electrical service.
In another incident in May in El Cobre, a man died from electrocution while allegedly attempting to steal oil from a transformer bank. Another suspect was arrested and charged with sabotage.
Understanding Dielectric Oil Theft in Cuba
What is dielectric oil and why is it important?
Dielectric oil is used in transformers for insulation and cooling purposes. Its importance lies in preventing electrical breakdowns and ensuring the reliable operation of the power supply infrastructure.
How does the theft of dielectric oil affect the electrical system?
The theft of dielectric oil can disable transformers, leading to power outages and potential damage to the electrical grid, affecting the supply of electricity to various regions.
What legal measures are in place to combat sabotage of the electrical system in Cuba?
Sabotage of the electrical system is addressed under Ruling 475 of the Supreme People's Court, which includes penalties for theft, damage, or alteration of components critical to the National Electrical System.