The messages from the Cuban regime continue to exude optimism amidst the prolonged and inhumane power outages experienced by the island's inhabitants. This was evident during the latest televised address by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy.
Officials from the Electric Company on the island are overseeing maintenance work on their thermoelectric plants. Despite the high degree of aging in these facilities, they keep promising a better summer, justifying the current situation as "temporary."
From Holguín, Minister Levy has shown support for the Electric Company workers who are engaged in the strenuous repair tasks. "We're monitoring the rotation of circuits, consumption, and demand, supporting the ongoing work. No rest has been taken," said an enthusiastic Levy on National Television.
According to the minister, at the Felton thermoelectric plant, "intense work is being done" and all previously suffered damages have been addressed after thorough analysis. "We're playing it safe," Levy declared, in a moment of high tension within Cuban society due to the extended power outages, which have led to drastic decisions by the Cuban government.
While his words were broadcast on national television, it was reported this Sunday that the school schedule in Villa Clara would be adjusted, with two hours of classes in the morning and another two in the afternoon. According to information released by the Provincial Government in that area, educational centers at all levels, "except for Youth and Adult Education," will start the first class shift at 10:00 AM.
In the same province, the local government informed its population that they would only have three hours of light for every eight hours of blackout.
As the first half of May comes to an end, Cubans are realizing that the "fuel situation" and blackouts have evolved in the discourse of President Miguel Díaz-Canel into "an extremely complex issue in the energy sector," with no recovery in sight for the upcoming vacation season, as authorities assure.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help understand the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba.
What is causing the prolonged power outages in Cuba?
The prolonged power outages are a result of the aging infrastructure of Cuba's thermoelectric plants, coupled with a significant fuel shortage.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the power outages?
The government is conducting maintenance on thermoelectric plants and adjusting schedules in different sectors, such as education, to manage energy consumption better.
How are the power outages affecting daily life in Cuba?
The power outages have severely impacted daily life, leading to adjusted work and school schedules, and significantly limiting electricity availability for households.