The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) has forecasted a power deficit of 467 MW for Sunday’s peak hours, confirming that the government’s summer promises remain unfulfilled as of July. For Monday, the state-owned company estimates a peak hour availability of 2,570 MW against a maximum demand of 2,900 MW, resulting in a 320 MW shortfall, which could lead to a 390 MW deficit during peak hours.
An article published by CiberCuba on Sunday sparked a flood of comments from desperate and outraged Cubans facing the critical situation of the electrical supply. Over 250 Facebook users expressed their opinions about the promises made by Miguel Díaz-Canel, his ministers, officials, and the UNE.
Government Promises and Public Discontent
Throughout the current year, these officials promised that the power outages would decrease in the summer due to the repair and maintenance work carried out on Cuban thermoelectric plants before the summer season. However, the strategy to maintain and prepare the thermoelectric plants to reduce blackouts during the hottest months and school holidays has proven ineffective.
As a result, Cubans continue to endure long and frequent power outages while witnessing the government's promises of a less "hot" summer dissipate. Here are some comments from CiberCuba’s Facebook page:
"This is the dirtiest and most deceitful government," said user Amanda Pimienta. "That’s what socialism is based on: unfulfilled promises," opined Noervis Jaime.
"It doesn't matter the season, Cuba will always be an endless blackout," stated Geovany Corona. "This is a clear example of a demagogic government," noted Michael Ruiz Téllez.
"What we are going through is terrible. Here in my town, there are many sick people and so many mosquitoes," indicated Xiomara Velázquez, while Ramiro Andy Cedeño Ávila affirmed that "when they say there will be fewer blackouts, they increase..."
"We are already used to the lies and false promises," acknowledged Marlen Vázquez. "And it will continue as long as it’s communism. Everything controlled by the state doesn't work," added John Jairo.
"We are sewn to blackouts, this is incomparable...!" exclaimed José Ignacio Alcázar, while Yanelis Álvarez said, "They never end... it's eternal."
"That's right. Day, night, and early morning, and a mosquito net in my neighborhood. A virus that we don’t know if it’s COVID or something else," denounced Beatriz Viamontes. "That’s what socialism is based on, unfulfilled promises," reasoned Noervis Jaime.
"What summer? It will end soon, and the winter blackouts will come," questioned Raúl Era, while Anabel Rodríguez Fernández concluded: "I don't know what to say, but we've had sixty-some years of promises, none repeated and none fulfilled. We are continuity."
"We are used to it... one more little lie," ironized Orestes Adroguez. In a similar tone, María Teresa Fonseca Mirabal expressed: "A new way of summering; in darkness and uncomfortable."
"They said summer was guaranteed, and the blackouts continue," protested Yusmel Tur, and Miguel Ángel Sotolongo added resignedly: "The never-ending story. Next year will be better."
Understanding Cuba's Electrical Crisis
The ongoing power outages in Cuba have raised several questions among citizens and observers. Here are some key questions and answers to understand the situation better:
Why is Cuba experiencing frequent power outages?
Cuba is experiencing frequent power outages due to a combination of outdated infrastructure, insufficient maintenance, and increased demand during peak hours. The government's strategy to repair and maintain thermoelectric plants has not been effective.
What are the government’s promises regarding the power supply?
The government, including Miguel Díaz-Canel and other officials, promised that power outages would decrease during the summer due to repairs and maintenance of thermoelectric plants. However, these promises have not been met.
How are Cubans reacting to the power outages?
Cubans have expressed frustration and anger over the ongoing power outages, with many taking to social media to criticize the government for unfulfilled promises and the worsening situation.