Last Friday, Cuba experienced its fourth nationwide blackout in just six months, leaving millions across the island without electricity and worsening the ongoing energy crisis. Despite the apparent collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), Prime Minister Manuel Marrero expressed gratitude on Monday for the public's "trust" that the situation will improve.
On his X account, Marrero stated, "Thank you to our people for trusting that we will move forward, despite the challenging times we face. A salute to the team at the Electric Union of Cuba who worked tirelessly to restore the SEN." His message, both spirited and stirring, concluded with the usual hollow rhetoric: "We keep fighting," accompanied by the hashtag #UnitedForCuba.
The official's words stand in stark contrast to the reality on the ground, where blackouts are becoming more frequent and prolonged, disrupting production, transportation, communication, and everyday life for Cubans. While authorities claim to be working on a solution, the ongoing issues with the electrical infrastructure remain unresolved, and the population bears the brunt of an inefficient and deteriorating system.
Echoing the same optimistic official narrative, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel also thanked Cubans for their "understanding" following the SEN collapse that left several provinces in darkness for over 48 hours. Rather than offering concrete solutions, he warned that the nation continues to face a severe energy deficit and made it clear that power outages will persist.
"Thank you, Cuba, for your understanding during the hours of uncertainty and discomfort caused by the SEN disconnection. And thanks to the workers and managers of the Electric Union who faced it without a moment's rest. We still have a deficit, but we are reconnected," Díaz-Canel wrote on his X account.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The recent blackout was part of a series of power outages due to the ongoing collapse of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN), exacerbated by insufficient infrastructure and resources.
How are Cuban leaders responding to the energy crisis?
Cuban leaders like Manuel Marrero and Miguel Díaz-Canel have expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and to the Electric Union workers for their efforts, but have not provided concrete solutions to the energy deficit.
What impact do the blackouts have on everyday life in Cuba?
The frequent and prolonged blackouts disrupt daily life in Cuba, affecting everything from production and transportation to communication and basic living conditions.