Cuba is currently enduring one of its most severe energy crises, leading to widespread blackouts and prompting fears of economic collapse. Recently, more than 10 million Cubans were plunged without power for several days, with certain regions enduring outages lasting up to 20 hours. This crisis not only disrupts daily life but also underlines the nation’s long-standing struggles with its dilapidated electrical infrastructure and economic mismanagement.
The situation worsened recently when Hurricane Oscar hit Cuba, exacerbated by already existing power shortages. High winds and flooding caused by the hurricane have ravaged the northeastern coast, adding to the humanitarian crisis and leaving at least six people dead.
Yusely Perez, a resident of Havana, has found herself relying on firewood as her primary cooking fuel after deliveries of liquefied gas have ceased. She has resorted to scavenging for dry wood from the streets to prepare meals for herself and her family. "We’ve gone two days without eating," she shared, showcasing the dire impact of the blackout on daily life.
Cuban Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy has attributed the crisis to the overwhelming impact of the U.S. economic embargo, which he claims has hampered the importation of necessary infrastructure and fuel. But the U.S. State Department rebuffed this explanation, arguing the systemic failings are largely due to the Cuban government’s own actions.
On state television, Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel cautioned citizens against protesting the situation, invoking memories of the protests from July 2021, where hundreds faced arrests following demonstrations over power outages. "The authorities will not tolerate disturbances to the social order," he stated, warning against any form of dissent.
Cuban economist Ricardo Torres expressed concerns about the country’s capacity to generate electricity, noting the production has dropped significantly, barely meeting 60-70% of national demand. The government’s figures reveal about a 2.5% dip in power generation for 2023 compared to the previous year, marking a staggering 25% decrease since 2019.
For many Cubans like Marbeyis Aguilera, who lives outside Havana, the dire realities of electricity shortages have become part of everyday life. "We’ve had no power for six days," she lamented, preparing coffee on a makeshift stove. Her community’s dire need for assistance is clear: water, food, and reliable electricity top the list of urgent priorities.
The blackouts are even reminiscent of the poverty experienced during the regime of dictator Fulgencio Batista, which the revolutionaries initially overturned. State misallocation of resources remains apparent, with massive investments directed toward tourism instead of the crumbling energy sector. Victor, another Havana resident, expressed frustration, questioning the rationale behind investing heavily in hotels instead of necessary infrastructure improvements. "They’ve built so many hotels... why is our energy infrastructure collapsing?" he asked.
Maria Elena Cárdenas, 76, who resides in one of Havana's municipal shelters, has taken to collecting firewood from the street for cooking. With the food supply disrupted and the water supply at risk, she embodies the struggle many Cubans face. "You know, we Cubans manage the best we can," was her resilient response amid this crisis.
Compounding Cuba’s energy woes, many officials have stated the difficulties stem from close ties with nations like Venezuela and Russia for fuel, both of which are also experiencing their own economic crises. The lack of external support is putting enormous strain on Cuba's economy, leading to speculation about possible collapse.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero acknowledges the need to revitalize the dwindling energy sector, emphasizing the government's strategy to explore renewable energies. While Cuba boasts abundant sunshine, past attempts to expand solar energy have consistently faltered due to financial constraints. "The government isn’t stupid, but there is no money," remarked one foreign businessman, highlighting the grim financial reality on the island.
An agreement with China aims to establish multiple solar farms, leveraging Cuba’s nickel deposits. Yet skepticism remains about whether experts and laborers, many of whom have fled the country, can execute such ambitious projects effectively.
Despite his administration's hard-line stance against protests, fewer citizens are taking to the streets this time, perhaps weary from previous upheavals. Reports indicate recent attempts by the government to suppress dissent, including intimidation of journalists. Amnesty International highlighted the harsh conditions faced by imprisoned journalists and protesters, underscoring the oppressive atmosphere as the crisis escalates.
Failure also looms over Cuba’s water supply systems, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. The infrastructure's fragility has only worsened due to power cuts, which have damaged pumps and pipes, leaving parts of Havana without regular access to drinking water. Dariel Ramírez, reflecting on the dire situation, expressed the desperation felt by many Cubans as they grapple with food, water, and power shortages.
The culmination of Cuba’s crises – energy shortages, economic instability, and political oppression – has left the island at a crossroads, steering it dangerously close to total collapse. What many worry most about is the long-term repercussions of these failures, not just for today, but for the future stability of the Cuban state.
