The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) recently announced that the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant has successfully met its annual production goal, generating 1,114,809.3 MWh by 7:18 a.m. this Tuesday. According to a post on the entity's Facebook page, this achievement is attributed to the diligent efforts of the workers and the implementation of scientific and technical principles, despite the challenges faced throughout the year.
While the UNE celebrates this milestone, the energy situation in Cuba remains dire. On this same day, power outages are affecting thousands of homes, with a projected deficit of 1,525 MW, potentially exceeding official estimates. This pattern was evident on Monday as well, when the actual shortfall of 1,516 MW surpassed the initial forecast of 1,385 MW.
Public Outcry Amidst Energy Crisis
The ongoing energy crisis has sparked growing discontent among the Cuban populace. Even María del Carmen Hernández Carús, the mother of Leticia Martínez Hernández, head of communications for leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, voiced her frustration on social media. She criticized the incessant blackouts and the lack of tangible solutions from the Electric Company.
In a detailed Facebook post, Hernández Carús condemned the neglect and apathy towards her complaint about power failures, which left her home without electricity for over 24 hours. "I won't go to work tomorrow, and perhaps not the day after, depending on when the Santa Clara Electric Company dispatcher decides to send a crew to fix the issue affecting my home's power supply," stated the professor from the Central University Marta Abreu of Las Villas (UCLV).
A Personal Struggle Exposed
Hernández Carús explained that her reports to the Santa Clara Electric Company were ignored, leaving her no choice but to stay home and miss work while waiting for service restoration. "I've called several times to remind them and ask when they will address my complaint, but the operators, of course, don't know; they only say they'll attend to it eventually. I'm not aware of any emergency in Santa Clara that keeps them so busy. When I filed the complaint, the young woman who attended me asked, 'But is it only in your house?' 'Yes,' I replied. I suspected my priority would be minimal, but now I see it is NONEXISTENT," she noted.
Her Facebook post, later deleted, described how her home was left with limited power to just one room after a scheduled blackout. Her comments, both indignant and defiant, were captured by Cuban internet users who accused her of hypocrisy. They noted Hernández Carús replaced her critical post with another, even more arrogant, reflecting nepotism and a sense of entitlement due to her daughter's position in the Cuban regime.
Backlash and Accusations of Hypocrisy
"Perhaps they're waiting for more reports from around here to conserve fuel, right? I hope linemen come one day, I hope my boss doesn't dock my pay for the days I'll miss, I hope my students understand my absence. In the end, hope is the last thing lost, as the saying goes. Because shame, no, some have already lost that," stated the professor at UCLV, the "alma mater" of Díaz-Canel.
Hernández Carús's post ignited mixed reactions on social media. On platform X, user Liborio labeled her stance as "counterrevolutionary and selfish" for publicly denouncing and demanding priority attention. "Refusing to work while demanding a salary isn't exactly 'thinking like a country,'" the user commented sarcastically, calling her actions a "betrayal."
Despite meeting specific targets like those at the Mariel power plant, the overall electrical landscape in Cuba reflects a severe crisis that affects the daily lives of families across the island.
Insights into Cuba's Energy Challenges
What is the current status of Cuba's energy production?
The Mariel Thermoelectric Plant has met its annual production target, generating over 1.1 million MWh. However, the country still faces significant power shortages and frequent outages.
How are Cubans reacting to the energy crisis?
The continuing energy crisis has led to growing frustration among citizens, with many voicing their dissatisfaction on social media and calling for more effective solutions from the government.
What issues are associated with the power outages in Cuba?
The outages are causing significant disruptions in daily life, affecting work, education, and overall quality of life. Many residents feel neglected and lack confidence in the government's ability to address the issue.