Pinar del Río finds itself in a dire situation after enduring over 120 consecutive hours without electricity. The blackout, which began on Tuesday, November 5, has pushed the local population to the brink. As reported by José Rolando Casares Soto, an independent journalist and opposition figure, the city remains almost entirely in darkness, with only a few specific sites such as the Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A. (ETECSA) and the area known as Reparto Los Militares retaining power, while the rest of the residents struggle with the absence of light and its consequences.
In a video shared on social media by the non-governmental organization Cubalex, Casares Soto highlighted the stark contrast from a rooftop view, showing the city enveloped in darkness except for two illuminated spots: the state-run ETECSA and the neighborhood housing members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces in Pinar del Río.
The Strain of Powerlessness and Heightened Security
Alongside the electricity outages, Casares Soto noted a heightened police presence in the streets, escalating the tension within the city. The NGO has pointed out that the "energy crisis has intensified the already severe humanitarian situation" in Cuba. The so-called Reparto Los Militares, identified in scheduled blackout announcements by the Empresa Eléctrica de Pinar del Río, is reportedly close to or part of the Reparto 10 de Octubre.
Apart from this military enclave, Casares Soto's overview captured lights at the ETECSA tower, a police station, and fewer than a dozen residences lit by private generators. "Pinar del Río is completely in the dark," he summarized, linking the blackout to the collapse of the national electricity grid on October 18, which has left Cuba's westernmost province in a persistent blackout.
Widespread Impact of an Enduring Energy Crisis
This extended blackout is not an isolated incident but part of a broader energy crisis gripping Cuba for months, worsening in western provinces like Pinar del Río. Prior accounts indicate at least four provinces, including Pinar del Río, have experienced frequent disconnections from the national electrical system. The lack of infrastructure maintenance, fuel shortages, and an outdated electrical grid have contributed to the service's collapse, forcing thousands to endure near-emergency conditions.
The situation is especially dire in Pinar del Río, where the power shortage severely impacts access to essential services such as potable water and food preservation. The prolonged absence of electricity hampers the operation of water pumps and refrigeration systems, affecting public health and food security. As the hours pass without a clear solution in sight, uncertainty and frustration rise among the residents.
Disparity and Discontent
Residents have pointed out that the unequal distribution of electricity, where only certain areas have power, heightens perceptions of inequality and discrimination. While the military housing and other strategic points remain electrified, the most vulnerable communities are left in the dark, lacking means to combat the heat or access basic resources. This disparity has fueled significant social discontent and has led some to question the priorities of local and national authorities.
The police presence, as reported by Casares Soto, adds another layer of tension to the already fraught situation. The surveillance and repression of any protest attempts are common practices in crisis situations in Cuba, and Pinar del Río is no exception. Previous protests over extended power outages in various parts of the country have resulted in arrests and repressive measures. Recently, the Cuban regime's Attorney General confirmed detentions related to demonstrations over the lack of electricity.
Persistent Challenges in Cuba's Energy Sector
The issue of blackouts is not new in Cuba, but it has reached unprecedented levels in recent months. The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba has acknowledged that service "affectations" are due to both fuel shortages and failures in electrical infrastructure. However, proposed solutions have been deemed inadequate to meet the population's needs. In Pinar del Río, the lack of investment and modernization of power plants has made the situation particularly challenging, limiting residents' alternatives.
The energy crisis in Cuba has tested the patience of its citizens. In Pinar del Río, the inhabitants face daily uncertainty, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy while the power supply remains sporadic and limited. Prolonged blackouts affect not only households but also hospitals, educational centers, and small businesses, paralyzing activities and plunging the region into a deep economic and social crisis.
Experts have emphasized the urgent need for structural changes in Cuba's electrical system to prevent such situations from recurring. Nonetheless, long-term solutions remain a monumental challenge in a country heavily reliant on outdated infrastructure and limited energy resources. The population of Pinar del Río, like other regions in Cuba, faces an uncertain future as the energy crisis persists. In the short term, the prospect of improvement seems distant, and communities continue to struggle, hoping the situation will change before the lack of resources and social fatigue escalate into an even deeper crisis.