The Cuban government has hailed the re-erection of six 220 kV high-voltage towers knocked down by Hurricane Rafael in Artemisa as a significant achievement, emphasizing the efforts of electrical brigades to restore the system. However, this official optimism starkly contrasts with the reality faced by thousands of residents in Artemisa, where over 40% of the province remains without power two weeks after the cyclone's impact.
Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm with winds reaching 112 mph, wreaked havoc on the western region's infrastructure on November 6th. The devastation extended beyond high-voltage towers to include electric poles, homes, and crops, plunging Artemisa and Pinar del Río into a severe energy crisis.
The Electric Industry Construction Company (ECIE) has announced that the new towers will be fully operational by Saturday. Nonetheless, the population's electricity supply remains reliant on 110 kV lines, which fail to ensure the necessary energy stability.
As of Thursday, towns like Alquízar and Caimito were still shrouded in darkness, registering the lowest recovery rates according to official data. The Cuban energy system, already weakened by aging thermoelectric plants and neglected maintenance, is grappling with a generation shortfall that exacerbates the situation.
The recent shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant has caused blackouts to surge to critical levels, with power outages affecting up to 1,700 MW during peak hours. Despite official statements, the reality highlights a system unable to effectively manage natural disasters and everyday demands.
The reliance on temporary solutions underscores the structural fragility of a country where blackouts have become a routine part of life.