The recent announcement of Decree 110/2024 on social media and independent news outlets, detailing "Regulations for the Control and Efficient Use of Energy Carriers and Renewable Energy Sources," has sparked significant backlash from the Cuban regime’s authorities and state-controlled media. The decree introduces a "special regime for electrical contingencies" (Chapter VI, Section One), outlining procedures for authorities and economic entities during declared emergencies. The public is particularly concerned about Article 40.1, which permits planned and sustained power outages for more than 72 hours if deemed necessary.
This fear is not unfounded, as Cuba recently experienced a nationwide blackout exceeding 72 hours due to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN). The perception that the decree could "normalize" such extreme measures has intensified public anxiety. In response, the Cuban regime’s media apparatus swiftly moved to refute these claims, alarmed by the flood of comments from frustrated citizens.
Cuba’s Electric Union (UNE) released a statement on social platforms clarifying, "It is false that a total blackout in Cuba for 72 hours is planned. The daily program Buenos Días on Canal Caribe and Cuban radio report the actual impact due to generation capacity shortages. THERE IS NO ANTICIPATED 72-HOUR TOTAL BLACKOUT."
Legal Framework for the Energy Crisis
Decree 110 establishes a framework for managing energy resources in critical scenarios. Chapter VI elaborates on the necessary steps for declaring and executing a state of emergency when "the SEN fails to meet system demand with available generation capacity." Specifically, Article 40.1 states: "The Minister of Energy and Mines proposes to the Council of Ministers the special regime for electrical contingencies when the National Electric System fails to meet system demand with generation capacity, necessitating planned and sustained service disruptions for over 72 hours."
Although the decree initially targets "state and non-state economic actors," the reality of its provisions indicates that ordinary citizens will also be affected by these measures.
Impact on the General Population
The decree’s indication of a potential need to "affect electrical service for more than 72 hours" underscores the likelihood of this occurring, as Cubans have already experienced. It is highly unlikely that such a contingency regime could be applied solely to economic actors without directly impacting the general populace. Here’s why:
Interdependence of Economic Actors and Public Services
1. Interdependence of Economic Actors and Public Services:
- State and non-state economic actors are crucial to public welfare. For instance:
- Refrigeration systems in economic entities store food and medicine, critical for domestic consumption and public health.
- Water supply disruptions from pump failures impact basic household needs.
- Reduced public lighting compromises street and community safety, affecting daily life.
Strategic Priorities and Residential Exclusion
2. Strategic Priorities Excluding Residential Sector:
- Prioritizing sectors like tourism, health, and food production could further limit electricity for domestic use, increasing the frequency and duration of blackouts in homes.
Indirect Impacts on Society
3. Indirect Impact of Measures:
- Changes in work schedules and labor distribution among economic actors affect workers who are primarily citizens, impacting societal routines.
Rationale for Mass Communication
The directive for UNE to keep the public informed through mass media (Article 40.5) suggests an expected impact on the population, even if not explicitly stated in the decree.
This can be viewed from two angles:
- Implicit Acknowledgment of Widespread Impact: Public communication confirms that measures extend beyond the business realm. If the populace were unaffected, communication could be confined to economic actors through direct channels.
- Social Control and Expectation Management: Publicly informing the population aims to prevent surprises and manage reactions. In a crisis, the regime seeks to maintain a veneer of transparency and minimize social tensions by explaining the reasons behind disruptions.
Given insufficient generation capacity and an outdated SEN, addressing the energy deficit without affecting residential consumption is impossible. Hence, while direct measures for households are not specified, they inevitably endure the indirect consequences.
Conclusion: A Decree Affecting All
Decree 110/2024 illustrates how a regulation aimed at economic actors inevitably impacts the general population. By prioritizing strategic sectors and centralizing decision-making, the Cuban government attempts to navigate an unprecedented energy crisis. However, the outlined measures and mandated public communication suggest that households will also bear the brunt of this contingency, facing blackouts, limited basic services, and new daily challenges. This decree ultimately intertwines technical control with a political narrative to manage both the crisis and its societal impact. It not only regulates an energy crisis but also redefines living conditions for all Cubans, highlighting the limitations of the electrical system and the profound connections between the economy and society.