On Friday, state-affiliated journalist Bernardo Espinosa "celebrated" the fact that Havana was not experiencing power outages due to generation shortfalls, while simultaneously acknowledging that other regions in Cuba continued to endure electrical disruptions.
Espinosa posted on Facebook, proudly noting that the capital had "zero outages due to a deficit in generation capacities" and confidently stating that "the city" was free of blackouts caused by insufficient generation.
However, his message fails to depict a return to normalcy for the entire nation. Espinosa himself admitted that some circuits are still without power due to maintenance and failures, while power disruptions continue across Cuba, especially during midday peaks.
He credited the improved situation to the introduction of thermal machinery and investments in photovoltaic technology, presenting this as evidence of a recovering generation capacity.
The post also directed viewers to the official television news broadcast for more details on the status of the National Electric System (SEN).
Disparities Highlighted by Official Messages
This stark contrast is evident in the official narrative itself. While the absence of outages due to generation deficits in Havana is portrayed as a cause for celebration, significant issues remain throughout the country, with circuits still lacking electricity for various other reasons acknowledged by Espinosa.
Despite the celebratory tone, the official data paints a different picture. On Friday, the SEN operated with only 1,300 MW available against a projected demand of 3,300 MW, resulting in a forecasted deficit of 1,970 MW. In fact, Havana's Electric Company reported 13 circuits and 35 MW affected in the capital at midday.
Havana's "Improvement" Amidst Provincial Struggles
Havana's so-called "improvement" is even more notable when compared to the preceding days. On Thursday, the city faced 552 MW affected across 154 circuits; Wednesday saw 484 MW across 124 circuits; and on September 2nd, there were 604 MW affected over 176 circuits, according to the blackout map of Havana.
While the capital receives preferential treatment, the situation in the eastern provinces is drastically different. In Holguín, several circuits are enduring between 19 and 21 consecutive hours without service. Meanwhile, in Manatí, Las Tunas, resident Lili Romero went viral with a video complaining that her community receives only one hour and 45 minutes of electricity daily.
Further illustrating the crisis, the National Zoo announced its indefinite closure on Wednesday due to a lack of electricity and water, with no clear plan for its over 1,500 animals.
Comedian Ulises Toirac captured the public's skepticism toward any official announcements, quipping, "They can install seven new thermoelectric plants next week, have oil delivered through pipelines... and yet in 15 years, the blackouts will persist," highlighting the impact of the deep-rooted structural contradictions in an economic model that no isolated investment can resolve.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
Why is Havana experiencing fewer power outages than other regions?
Havana is reportedly receiving preferential treatment in terms of power distribution, which leads to fewer outages compared to other regions.
What measures are being taken to address the power generation issue in Cuba?
Efforts include the introduction of thermal machinery and investments in photovoltaic technology to improve generation capacity.
How severe is the power deficit in Cuba?
As of the latest reports, the National Electric System operates with a significant deficit, with available capacity falling short by nearly 1,970 MW against the demand.