A community in Holguín endured a full 60 days without power due to a transformer malfunction, as reported by Canal Caribe in a social media broadcast. The same transformer, removed two months earlier, was repaired and reinstalled, sidestepping the need to purchase a new unit.
Although the reconnection did not end the blackouts entirely, it provided some relief: residents transitioned from having no electricity whatsoever to receiving power in two-hour intervals every twelve hours. This change, though limited, was a significant relief for the community.
“We went through two months without electricity, and it's a huge joy for us that the transformer has been installed today. But we keep moving forward and fighting,” expressed one resident to the state channel's cameras. “Now we should have power from six to nine in the evening,” the hopeful woman added.
The technician who handled the repair detailed the intervention: “Sixty days ago, I took out this [transformer], and now we're dividing the secondary circuit so the community can have service again. All Cubans are facing difficulties right now due to the overload,” he explained.
This situation highlights the infrastructure crisis overwhelming the province. According to the report, around 120 transformers in Holguín are affected. The "coincidence factor of loads" exacerbates the issue: when power is restored after a prolonged blackout, all consumers turn on their appliances simultaneously, potentially destroying multiple transformers at once.
To shorten the wait times for transformer repairs, the Holguín Electric Company has initiated equipment recovery at a provincial workshop. With a steady supply of raw materials, this facility could repair up to 60 transformers each month. Reports indicate that fixing one of these units costs approximately 80,000 Cuban pesos, compared to about $6,000 for importing a new one.
Despite the workshop's efforts, the provincial outlook remains bleak. On October 17, the Holguín Electric Company halted the 12-hour circuit rotation, maintaining power only for circuits supplying the Lenin Hospital. Following the announcement, an internet user captured the public sentiment with a single question: “What rotation?”
This past Saturday, three circuits in Holguín experienced 24 hours and 15 minutes of outage, with only 60 MW of power supplied against a need for 240 MW, as reported by the provincial electric company at 2:25 PM.
Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy warned on the 22nd that Cuba lacks fuel and does not anticipate having any in the near future, leaving a significant amount of distributed generation inactive. So far in 2026, Cuba has experienced eight total disconnections from the National Electric System.
Understanding Holguín's Electrical Challenges
Why did Holguín experience such a long blackout?
Holguín's extended blackout was due to a faulty transformer that took 60 days to repair and reinstall, highlighting the challenges in the province's electrical infrastructure.
What is the "coincidence factor of loads"?
The "coincidence factor of loads" refers to the simultaneous use of electrical appliances by consumers when power is restored after a blackout, which can overload and damage transformers.
How is Holguín addressing transformer repairs?
Holguín is addressing transformer repairs by recovering equipment at a provincial workshop capable of fixing up to 60 transformers monthly, provided there's a steady supply of raw materials.