The Cuban government denied what it called "false rumors" about the critical energy situation in Cuba this Thursday, without specifying the content of these rumors, where they were published, or how they spread.
In an interview with official journalist Arleen Rodríguez Derivet for the radio program Chapeando Bajito, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, refuted some "rumors" about the energy crisis, without making any specific references. The recording was shared on the social media of Canal Caribe, but the radio program was not published on Cubadebate at the time of writing this note, so it is unknown whether a specific rumor was addressed during the interview and if the minister's response was more comprehensive than what appeared on the Cuban Television program.
"Arleen, what I just read is totally false, categorically that is a lie," the minister stated emphatically, without the audience having the opportunity to know the content of "that" which De la O Levy read.
The minister assured that the Cuban government is "aware of the lack of electricity affecting all the people of Cuba and the long hours of outages," but attributed it to "the extensive maintenance we are conducting." He explained that when a large unit, like the one in Felton, goes offline for maintenance, "many hours of outages accumulate."
"As happened last year, also in April, when it was the turn of Guiteras," said De la O Levy. His statements add to the history of "official denials," opening a new chapter in the communication strategy of the Cuban regime, focused on how to deny phantom information.
Beyond these bizarre declarations, De la O Levy insisted that the current maintenance on the country's thermoelectric units would continue until June 30, after which the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) would recover 700 MW.
"Immediately all that power is incorporated, and it will be a completely different summer from the days we are experiencing now. And we focus it on the summer. Why? Because it's the time when it is most needed. It's the time when the population consumes the most, it's the time when the people need to rest because we could do it at any other time and it would have an effect...," the minister explained.
The recording released by Canal Caribe was abruptly cut off at this point, and little else is known about the denial and explanations of the Minister of Energy and Mines, who, with his words, gives a prosaic "continuity" to the metaphors that inspired José Lezama Lima in his poetry collection "Enemigo Rumor."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
To provide more clarity on the situation, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding Cuba's energy crisis.
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
The primary causes of Cuba's energy crisis include extensive maintenance on thermoelectric units, outdated infrastructure, and the government's management policies.
How long will the current maintenance on thermoelectric units last?
The maintenance on Cuba's thermoelectric units is expected to continue until June 30, after which the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) will recover 700 MW.
What impact will the maintenance completion have on Cuba's energy supply?
Once the maintenance is completed, the recovered 700 MW is expected to significantly improve the energy supply, particularly during the high-demand summer months.