Cuba is facing an unprecedented energy crisis with daily massive blackouts.

Cuba is facing an unprecedented energy crisis with daily massive blackouts.

This means that more than half of the light bulbs across the country will be forcibly turned off during peak hours, the time of highest energy demand, which occurs during the late afternoon and evening of this Tuesday.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro

Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented energy crisis, as it is anticipated that more than 52% of the island will be affected by blackouts this Tuesday, the highest figure of the year. This alarming statistic, provided by the state-owned company Unión Eléctrica (UNE), reveals a generation deficit that has reached a critical level, meaning that millions of Cubans will be left without electricity during peak hours when demand is highest.


UNE, which operates under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, has projected that the maximum power generation capacity for the day will be 1,556 megawatts (MW), while the expected demand rises to 3,080 MW. This disparity has led to a deficit of 1,524 MW, forcing the company to disconnect several lines to prevent a total collapse of the electrical system. In total, it is expected that 1,594 MW will be disconnected in the late afternoon and evening, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans.


The energy crisis in Cuba is not new, but its intensity has drastically increased in recent months. Since late August, the country has faced scheduled blackouts that have become routine for many Cubans. In Havana, residents must cope with power cuts of at least five hours a day, while in Santiago de Cuba, electricity is only guaranteed for four hours a day, leaving the population in a state of uncertainty and frustration.


The situation has become more critical since two total disconnections of the National Electric System (SEN) occurred this year, the first of which was caused by a malfunction at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, one of the most important in the country. This incident left the entire nation in the dark for days, and the passing of Hurricane Rafael just a few weeks later contributed to worsening the situation.


The current context of the crisis is fueled by a lack of fuel, a problem stemming from the scarcity of foreign currency to import it. The issues are compounded by the outdated state of the thermoelectric plants, many of which are over 40 years old. This combination of factors has led to a chronic deficit in investment and maintenance, perpetuating a cycle of inefficiency in the Cuban electrical system.


The repercussions of the blackouts are significant and extend beyond the lack of electricity. The Cuban economy, which already contracted by 1.9% in 2023, is severely suffering due to the instability of the energy supply. Constant interruptions affect industrial production, trade, and the daily lives of citizens, exacerbating an economic crisis that has already led many to seek opportunities abroad.


Social discontent has also begun to manifest more visibly on the island. Mass migration has been a response from many Cubans to the difficult living conditions, and the unusual protests reported since 2021 reflect a growing dissatisfaction with government management. The lack of effective solutions to the energy crisis has fueled this discontent, leading many to question the government's ability to address the fundamental problems facing the country.


Despite the complexity of the situation, Cuban authorities have announced that efforts are underway to improve the electrical situation. However, the lack of resources and the need for deep structural reforms make any significant change in the short term seem unlikely.


Meanwhile, Cubans continue to deal with the daily uncertainty brought by blackouts, facing the lack of light and, with it, interruptions to their routines, work, and family life. The energy crisis in Cuba, far from being a technical challenge, has become a symbol of the Cuban people's struggle to survive in difficult times and their desire for a better future.

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