Dozens of Cubans blocked Monte Street in Central Havana early Friday morning to protest against the relentless blackouts. The demonstration took place at the corner of Monte and Anton Recio streets, Central Havana, after a transformer that had been reported multiple times by residents finally exploded.
"The transformer blew up, it has been blowing up for several days, and people got fed up," said a young woman who recorded the protest.
The protesters, frustrated by the authorities' neglect in addressing the issue, overturned garbage containers in the middle of the street. "Havana is not the countryside," the woman asserted, echoing the long-held belief that "blackouts in Havana should be brief because people take to the streets."
The island's energy crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with power outages in the capital lasting up to six hours. Although the regime claimed it was part of a "strategy" to repair thermoelectric plants and ensure an uninterrupted summer, the day before, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel shifted his narrative, admitting that "under current conditions, it is very difficult" to keep his promise.
The leader stated that achieving zero blackouts is highly challenging under the current circumstances. "There might be a blackout at a certain time, but we will work to ensure they are not prolonged," he added.
The director of the Electric Union (UNE), Alfredo López Valdés, mentioned that the country lacks additional generation capacity, advising households to reduce consumption "for the benefit of the country."
Understanding the Cuban Blackout Protests
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ongoing blackout protests in Cuba and the island's energy crisis.
Why are Cubans protesting in Central Havana?
Cubans are protesting due to the continuous blackouts and the authorities' failure to resolve the problem despite repeated reports from residents.
What triggered the recent protest?
The recent protest was triggered by the explosion of a transformer that had been malfunctioning for days, causing frustration among the residents.
What is the government's response to the energy crisis?
The government initially claimed it was implementing a strategy to repair thermoelectric plants, but later admitted that it is very difficult to prevent blackouts under current conditions.
What are the recommendations for Cuban households?
The director of the Electric Union has recommended that households reduce their energy consumption to help alleviate the crisis.