The energy crisis in Cuba has led to the closure of non-essential workplaces and schools until Sunday as the government grapples with a widespread electricity shortage and recovery efforts from a deadly hurricane that claimed the lives of seven individuals, including a child. The National Defence Council announced the continued shutdowns to only keep vital services such as hospitals open as the government strives to restore power across the nation after its largest power plant collapsed, causing the entire energy grid to fail.
Originally, the government had planned to reopen workplaces and schools on Thursday, but it was later revealed that only 70 percent of the country had power restored, leaving many areas outside of Havana without electricity. Despite progress, the power grid still faces a 30-percent energy deficit during peak evening hours. President Miguel Diaz-Canel visited the town of San Antonio del Sur, which was heavily impacted by the hurricane, to assure residents of support and aid during these difficult times.
Cuba relies on aging oil-fired thermoelectric plants for its energy generation, with some facilities breaking down or undergoing maintenance, exacerbating the energy crisis. The country also leases seven floating plants from Turkish companies, which have faced fuel shortages, in addition to diesel-powered generators. Energy expert Jorge Pinon highlights the structural issues with the older thermoelectric plants, likening them to classic old US cars that require constant maintenance and repair. The ongoing energy crisis is a reflection of the country’s severe economic downturn characterized by inflation, shortages of essential resources such as medicine, food, and water.
The economic challenges in Cuba have also led to social unrest, with concerns about potential street protests prompting warnings from President Diaz-Canel against attempts to disturb public order. Blackouts in July 2021 sparked significant public anger and demonstrations, with Cubans expressing frustration over the lack of basic resources and calling for freedom and an end to hunger. Recent protests in one neighborhood saw residents banging pots and pans and demanding the restoration of electricity.
The Cuban government and its allies attribute the economic and energy challenges to the longstanding trade embargo imposed on the island by the United States. The embargo restricts trade and sanctions oil tankers delivering fuel from Venezuela, exacerbating the country’s energy crisis. In response, the White House press secretary acknowledged the impact of Cuba’s economic mismanagement on its people’s hardships, pointing to a need for improved economic policies and resource management. The energy crisis in Cuba highlights the broader economic challenges facing the country and the need for sustainable solutions to address both short-term issues and long-term structural deficiencies in the energy sector.
