A widespread power outage struck Cuba at 11:00 am this Friday, leaving the nation in the dark without a clear timeline for when electricity would be restored. Cuban authorities have admitted that they cannot provide a definitive timeframe for when the lights will come back on. Lázaro Guerra, the director of electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, stated that although efforts are underway to reconnect the electrical system as swiftly as possible, a precise recovery time remains uncertain.
Investigation and Initial Steps
Guerra detailed the current state of the National Electric System (SEN) following the massive disruption, which was triggered by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest in the country. While the reasons for this failure are still under investigation, the process of restoring power has already commenced. The review of every thermoelectric unit has started, beginning with the Energás Puerto Escondido plant, which has resumed generating electricity. The next step is to reconnect the Boca de Jaruco plant, as reported by pro-government journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso on social media.
Strategies for Power Restoration
To aid in the synchronization of units, the government is forming microsystems or "islands" by employing distributed generation groups across various regions, giving priority to those generators nearest the thermal blocks. CUPET, responsible for fuel distribution, is ensuring adequate fuel supply to support electricity generation, according to the social media post.
Public Outcry and Government Response
Despite the regime's claims of closely monitoring the situation, the Cuban public is left enduring a massive blackout with no clear end in sight, leading to calls for the government's resignation. The island's top officials were compelled to face the public amidst growing unrest due to the crisis, as citizens suffer through up to 20 hours of daily power outages.