As the first week of August comes to a close, Cuba continues to experience widespread power outages, despite the government's promises of a more stable summer electricity supply. The administration of Miguel Díaz-Canel had assured that the maintenance work on the nation's thermoelectric plants during the first half of the year would lead to fewer disruptions.
With hopes for a summer with fewer power cuts, Cubans endured frequent and prolonged outages from January to June, heeding their leaders’ assurances of a recovery in installed capacity due to the repairs and maintenance efforts. However, this strategy has failed, and during July and the beginning of August, Cubans have faced intense and widespread blackouts, further complicating their lives amid the sweltering heat, water shortages, and various other issues caused by the government's incompetence.
On Thursday, the Union Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) announced on social media, "It is estimated that during peak hours, availability will be 2,476 MW with a maximum demand of 3,150 MW, resulting in a deficit of 674 MW. Therefore, if conditions persist, an impact of 744 MW is expected during this time." According to the state-run company's statement, led by Alfredo López Valdés, the service was affected by a generation capacity deficit from 7:00 AM until 2:33 AM on Thursday. The maximum impact during the day was 725 MW.
“Demagogy and verbiage are wasted in this country. Promises, forecasts, strategies, efforts—all with no results. Cuban government, what is it that the people can't see? Cubans are fed up with so much talk disguising economic impotence and the country's decline, which is evident every day,” commented a Cuban netizen on UNE's social media.
“Now they come up with a year-end strategy: more blackouts and zero results. They must ensure availability only for the untouchables. The rest, who cares? They only serve to take away their few resources to favor those same untouchables,” said another.
“But is this the summer they were going to guarantee? Two months with more than 20 hours of daily blackouts for this? Dissolve this ministry and return to primitive community because there is no other solution,” a third protested.
“I don't understand anything. They worked many months for a happy summer, and it hasn't been so. There are many blackouts in the central provinces. In Havana, they don't experience them. We are fed up; analyze the situation, we are human,” commented a disillusioned user.
“The strategy laid out for the summer was a total success. Now begins the year-end strategy, then the strategy for the next summer... and the result remains astonishing: NONE,” observed one of the many Cubans who protested in the comments of UNE's post.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outage Crisis
For those looking to understand the ongoing power outages in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What caused the power outages in Cuba this summer?
The power outages are primarily due to the government's failure to effectively maintain and repair the thermoelectric plants, despite promises of improved stability.
How has the public reacted to the power outages?
The public reaction has been one of frustration and disillusionment, with many Cubans expressing their anger and disappointment on social media.
What are the projected power demands and deficits?
The Union Eléctrica de Cuba estimates a peak demand of 3,150 MW with an availability of only 2,476 MW, resulting in a deficit of 674 MW.
Are there any regions less affected by the outages?
Yes, reports indicate that Havana experiences fewer outages compared to other central provinces, leading to further public discontent.