Residents in Pinar del Río are enduring a harsh reality as some electrical circuits have been without power for more than 90 consecutive hours. This dire situation was acknowledged on Sunday by Yamilé Ramos Cordero, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in the province. She also highlighted the severe challenges in ensuring water supply to the population.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Ramos explained that since Thursday, the country has been facing an energy crisis caused by fuel shortages, the shutdown of several power-generating units—including the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant—and limited output from solar photovoltaic parks.
She pointed out that while the national demand stands at 2,800 megawatts (MW), Cuba is only producing 750 MW. This discrepancy of 2,050 MW starkly illustrates the constraints on the Cuban electrical system.
Impact on Essential Services
Ramos acknowledged, "This situation causes a significant absence of energy in all circuits of Pinar del Río, with some without power for over 90 hours." This means that some consumers have been without electricity for more than three and a half days straight.
Due to the limited electricity available, local authorities have prioritized a small number of essential facilities. "Currently, we've only been able to power the Pediatric, Abel Santamaría, and León Cuervo hospitals, and occasionally the well field that supplies the provincial capital," she said.
Challenges in Water Supply
The energy crisis has also affected water delivery services, which rely on electricity for pumping and distribution systems. Ramos reported that, in addition to power generation limitations, a recent electrical failure—now repaired by the Basic Electrical Organization—had further complicated matters.
She admitted, "The limitations with power generation undoubtedly impact water supply." Last Thursday, fuel was distributed to organize emergency water delivery via tankers, known locally as "pipas."
Strain on Infrastructure
Highlighting the precarious state of the province's infrastructure, she revealed that out of 177 water supply sources in Pinar del Río, 52 are malfunctioning. The combination of prolonged blackouts and water access issues is exacerbating daily challenges for families, particularly those without sufficient reserves or alternative means for storing and pumping water.
Ramos discussed the use of energy from solar parks in the province, which have been tapped since June to manage electricity supply when national grid difficulties intensify. However, she clarified that when the national system's situation worsens, this production is allocated to meet national needs, not just local consumption.
Widespread Energy Crisis
The scenario in Pinar del Río reflects a broader crisis affecting other provinces. On the same Sunday, Guantánamo's Electric Company announced that due to severe energy limitations, it could only provide around two hours of electricity daily per customer. This means residents could face about 22 hours of blackout each day, without a specific schedule or timeline for these restrictions.
Similarly, Holguín's Electric Company announced the suspension of their 12-hour circuit rotation system, citing challenges in maintaining the usual distribution scheme. This decision sparked criticism as residents questioned the regularity of the rotation, given the duration of the blackouts they have been suffering.
In Matanzas, the situation is equally dire. Reports have documented nearly 70 hours of continuous outages in Manuelito and Bolondrón, with many circuits experiencing 40 to 60 hours without electricity. Local electric authorities acknowledged that the provincial impact exceeded 130 MW, with some circuits facing additional technical difficulties when attempting to restore service.
The announcements from Pinar del Río, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Matanzas underscore the territorial extent of Cuba's energy crisis, which now extends beyond scheduled interruptions to leaving some communities in the dark for several consecutive days.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the prolonged blackouts in Pinar del Río?
The prolonged blackouts in Pinar del Río are primarily due to fuel shortages, the shutdown of key power-generating units, and limited solar power generation.
How are essential services being affected?
Essential services like hospitals are prioritized for electricity supply, while residential circuits suffer long outages. Water supply is also impacted as it relies on electricity for pumping and distribution.
Is the electricity from solar parks used locally?
The electricity generated by solar parks in Pinar del Río is not solely for local use. It is distributed nationally to balance the grid and support vital services.
What measures are being taken to address water shortages?
Emergency water distribution is being organized using trucks to mitigate shortages caused by power outages affecting water pumping stations.