During a visit to the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermoelectric Plant in Holguín, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, addressed the Cuban people regarding the measures taken to manage the country's complex and tense energy situation. "We are aware of the daily impact caused by the annoying blackouts, which in some areas last up to 17 or 18 hours," the minister told Tele Cristal journalist Yordanis Rodríguez Laurencio.
Not all Cubans experience the same number of blackout hours, De la O Levy explained, because "circuits are rotated and managed, and as the impact lessens, there is a greater possibility to rotate and distribute the outages more evenly." The ministry's goal is not the "equitable distribution of blackouts," but rather "to reduce the blackout hours," which occur "due to the high maintenance load scheduled for this period, planned since the beginning of the year."
This planning, outlined for 2023 according to the strategy presented by Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and not met, causes generation deficits between 200 and 600 MW. "It is, of course, an inconvenience, but the levels of blackouts we are experiencing are bearable," the minister considered.
The maintenance, combined with "rising temperatures that increase demand and consumption" and "logistical problems with fuel distribution," explain the current energy crisis, according to De la O Levy. The blackouts are not due to a fuel crisis, but rather logistics. "I am not saying that we currently lack fuel, but that by trying to supply fuel at night and by road (along with barges that distribute fuel by coastal shipping), consumption is relying more on this type of distributed generation than on thermoelectric plants, leading to overconsumption. And that fuel [for distributed generation] is transported by road."
In other words, it is a logistical issue, not a sign that the Cuban regime is losing support from its usual fuel suppliers (Venezuela, Mexico, Iran, and Russia). "What I just read is totally false, categorically a lie," De la O Levy recently told an official journalist, debunking a rumor he did not specify but that could be related to this matter.
The minister is not wasting time on rumors. He is on the ground, watching technicians make the regenerative air heater at the Felton plant "practically new and entirely built in Cuba." "Going for the sure thing," in his words. He then moved on to the condenser, discovering that this section of the plant has "22,000 tubes that need cleaning." De la O Levy explained to Rodríguez Laurencio how many tubes per hour, per shift, per day, and per week the maintenance of the Felton condenser involves.
The minister's management is optimal: he is there, in the heat, counting tubes and bringing filters, parts, and cleaning machines from Havana. He is not wasting time; he is "seeking solutions with concrete decisions and supporting the work of the electrical workers." According to his words, Vicente de la O Levy is "working tirelessly."
Faced with the minister's self-proclaimed dedication, Rodríguez Laurencio, the new star of official journalism, saw an opportunity to ask his opinion on what independent media and experts publish on the internet and social media about the critical situation of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN).
A smile appeared on the minister's face at such a tempting question. The stage was set to discredit independent media and Cuban civil society, brightening De la O Levy's altruistic morning. "That [what they publish] is ignorance. That is not even worth reading. We read it to know which way ignorance is heading. All of that is ignorance. But well, we read it, we laugh. We laugh too. We keep working. And we know how they are thinking. And we keep working. Convinced that we will solve it."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis: Key Questions Answered
In light of the minister's statements, here are some key questions and answers to help understand Cuba's current energy situation.
What is causing the prolonged blackouts in Cuba?
The prolonged blackouts are primarily due to high maintenance demands on the energy infrastructure, increased temperatures leading to higher consumption, and logistical challenges in fuel distribution.
Are the blackouts in Cuba related to a fuel shortage?
According to Minister Vicente de la O Levy, the blackouts are not due to a fuel shortage but rather logistical issues in fuel distribution.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the blackouts?
The government is focusing on reducing blackout hours through scheduled maintenance and trying to manage the distribution of fuel more effectively.
How does the Cuban government view independent media reports on the energy crisis?
Minister Vicente de la O Levy dismissed independent media reports as ignorant and not worth reading, suggesting that the government does not take these reports seriously.