Cuba is currently experiencing widespread power outages, with blackouts lasting up to 14 hours per day affecting millions of residents across the island nation. The crisis, which has been ongoing since 2021, has left many Cubans struggling to cope with the summer heat and humidity.
The state-run power company, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), attributes the outages to breakdowns in six power plants on the country's outdated and poorly maintained grid. UNE has promised only minor relief for the weekend, despite forecasts of high humidity and temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F).
In Matanzas province, east of Havana, power outages have been particularly severe. The famed Varadero tourism resort and essential institutions like hospitals are among the few places with consistent electricity supply. Residents of Santa Marta in Cardenas municipality have adapted to the situation, with one local, Doris, remarking, "The Cuban lives like this, laughing calmly, with light or without light."
These power cuts reflect a deeper economic crisis in Cuba, characterized by:
- Shortages of basic goods
- Double-digit inflation
- Lack of cash for fuel imports
- Limited access to parts for infrastructure maintenance
The situation varies across the country. In Santiago de Cuba, where protests demanding food and electricity occurred in March 2024, Ariel Rodriguez, a 52-year-old restaurant worker, reported power cuts averaging 10 hours daily over the past two weeks. Similar conditions have been described in Holguin, Camaguey, and Cienfuegos provinces.
Interestingly, Havana has largely been spared from the most severe blackouts, experiencing shorter and less frequent power cuts compared to other regions.
"We are already adapted, the Cuban lives like this, laughing calmly, with light or without light."
It's worth noting that Cuba's energy challenges are not new. The country has been working on increasing its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind power, to address its energy needs. However, the nation's vulnerability to hurricanes and limited access to modern technology due to long-standing U.S. sanctions have complicated these efforts.
Despite these difficulties, Cuba maintains a high literacy rate of nearly 100% and a well-regarded healthcare system. The country's resilience in the face of adversity is evident, as residents find ways to adapt to the ongoing power crisis while maintaining their daily lives.
As Cuba continues to grapple with these energy challenges, the situation underscores the need for significant infrastructure upgrades and economic reforms to ensure a more stable and reliable power supply for its 11 million residents.