Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party (PCC) in Santiago de Cuba, recently declared that the provincial government can only ensure electricity in residential areas for three to four hours each day. Through a Facebook statement, Johnson attributed the power shortages to the strained condition of the National Electric System (SEN) and urged the people of Santiago to show "empathy."
"We are at the Provincial Electric Dispatch, assessing the country's severe energy situation. Hospitals are prioritized, and we ensure three to four hours of electricity for residential circuits, using an unusual rotation system aimed at providing at least four hours daily. In light of this, we call for much solidarity and empathy," the official wrote.
The announcement sparked a wave of critical reactions from citizens, who expressed their discontent regarding the extended power outages and the apparent inequality in how these disruptions are distributed across provinces.
Public Dismay and Calls for Transparency
Some residents of Santiago questioned the lack of planning and transparency in addressing Cuba's energy crisis. A user commented, "If the plan is to guarantee four hours of electricity a day, at least create a schedule that allows us to organize basic household activities, since the electric company doesn't take responsibility for damaged appliances or spoiled food."
Another individual highlighted inconsistencies in the data provided by authorities. "Explain to me how on a Sunday, with significantly cooler temperatures, we have higher consumption than during the hot months of July and August."
Unequal Impact Across Provinces
One commentator questioned, "Why is there such an unequal distribution of the effects among provinces?" Meanwhile, a Cuban mother seized the opportunity to emphasize how out of touch the leaders are with the harsh realities faced by the most affected families. "You can't ask for solidarity and empathy when you're not the one in the shoes of many Santiago families with no access to generators and with small children at home."
This past Sunday, Cubans endured extensive blackouts due to a significant power generation deficit, affecting 1,421 MW during peak demand hours. The energy crisis in Cuba, which has worsened in recent years, continues to disrupt daily life with prolonged outages, fuel shortages for cooking, and an overall atmosphere of uncertainty in one of the country's hardest-hit provinces, recently troubled by both weather events and earthquakes.