Over the past weeks, Cuba has been grappling with an energy crisis marked by widespread blackouts, leaving millions of residents frustrated and helpless. The latest reports from the Electric Company of Havana (EELH) indicate projected electricity generation deficits reaching unprecedented levels, with over 1,200 megawatts (MW) below demand, highlighting the depth of the crisis on the island.
According to the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), as of Monday, the total generation deficit stood at 1,235 MW, higher than the previous day’s figures of 1,173 MW. Service interruptions have become commonplace, with areas losing power for hours at a time. On Sunday alone, power generation capacity fell significantly, commencing at 6:22 AM and not being restored until late at night, indicating severe systemic issues.
With the national power generating capacity struggling, the demand for electricity often exceeds supply, leaving residents resorting to candles and flashlights, seriously disrupting their daily routines and living conditions. Areas most afflicted include the central-eastern part of Cuba, primarily due to technical failures and high energy transfers to these regions to meet their needs.
To paint its employees as heroes amid the crisis, the EELH released messages on social media aimed at garnering public empathy and support. One such post centered on Ricardo Veranes Carrión, the director of UEB Attributions at EELH. Highlighting his personal life, the narrative took on what many perceived as propagandistic tones aimed at softening the harsh realities many Cubans face.
Veranes Carrión shared a personal anecdote about his wife arriving unexpectedly at his place of work at three in the morning, carrying their child, expressing worries about his fidelity during the chaos of breakdowns. "Experiencing the unsettling moment of seeing his wife arrive at 3 AM with a baby in her arms, just to confirm her fidelity, is one of the most challenging moments for Ricardo Veranes Carrión," the post stated, leaving many questioning the appropriateness of using such personal details for public relations.
The narrative aimed at humanizing EELH and showcasing the personal sacrifices of its employees was also meant to reinforce dedication among workers. The message declared, "Her eyes, which speak of years and dreams... there is nothing to point out: the end is to continue giving everything for the organization of the electricity workers of Cuba.", underscoring the necessity of dedication from workers, even at the expense of their personal lives.
Yet, this communication strategy appears to backfire as many Cubans experience the daily grind of service interruptions, starkly contrasting with the heroic tales promoted by the government. Leaders from UNE and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) have repeatedly faced criticism for the energy breakdowns but remain steadfast, insisting on the need for workers to "redouble their efforts," alluding to loyalty and obedience rather than accountability.
The reality on the ground is grim. Three thermal power units from Felton and Renté plants are currently out of service, and maintenance issues plague additional facilities, impacting overall outputs. The problems are exacerbated as fuel shortages continue to hinder operations, with 53 distributed generation plants failing to operate, causing losses amounting to 274 MW. The continued reliance on outdated technologies and poor infrastructure management has contributed to what many Cubans believe is mismanagement at the highest levels.
The government's response to the crisis has included implementing scheduled and rotating blackouts meant to distribute the disruption equitably among the population. While such measures may alleviate some immediate strain, they lack permanence, and citizens are left feeling abandoned by their leadership. Questions remain about the government's long-term strategy to revitalize the energy sector.
More measures are necessary to address the deep-rooted issues, including investment and maintenance of existing infrastructure. The fact remains, failures at thermoelectric plants, compounded with insufficient fuel, have become the new norm rather than the exception.
With the impact of these outages touching nearly every aspect of daily life, the government's message does little to assuage the growing public discontent. Reports indicate Cubans are losing patience with the narrative provided by officials, calling for clear action rather than tales of sacrifice and dedication.
What does the future hold for Cuba's energy sector? Currently, as the island continues to experience rolling blackouts, it remains unclear how the government plans to fulfill the needs of its citizens amid growing criticism and unsatisfactory conditions. The repeated public narratives and attempts to paint workers as dedicated heroes offer little solace as communities face the grim reality of life with unreliable electricity.
