The First Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, stated this Wednesday that the blackouts affecting millions of Cubans are not due to internal mistakes, but rather the "criminal American blockade against Cuba."
His statements were made during a special appearance on the television program Mesa Redonda. Abad clarified to the host Randy Alonso that one cannot talk about the suffering of the Cuban people due to blackouts as if it were something foreign, because the authorities also suffer the effects of power outages.
"We cannot say that the blackouts are suffered by the people; we are part of the people and we are suffering them too," he said.
The official insisted that the Cuban energy crisis is, first and foremost, a result of the United States embargo on the island.
"Blackouts are a consequence of the criminal U.S. blockade against Cuba. It’s not an excuse, it’s not something fictitious, it’s not rhetoric," he stated.
Moreover, Abad asserts that the Ministry of Energy and Mines faces daily obstacles in its commercial operations, including the search for fuel, the contracting of ships, access to technologies, and the ability to carry out essential maintenance on equipment that cannot be repaired on the island.
"Even some resources acquired from abroad carry hidden problems that prevent the Cuban government from overcoming this energy crisis," he stated.
"The blockade is the primary and most important cause. Due to the blockade, we do not have access to international financing. If we could obtain international credit, we could solve this energy problem with our own resources," he assured.
The UNE acknowledges a serious situation
During the same television segment, the director of the Cuban Electric Union (UNE), Alfredo López Valdés, acknowledged that the national electric system is going through a critical moment.
“The electricity system situation is serious. There are long hours of blackouts that make it impossible to rotate the circuits,” he said.
He assured that they are working on the repair of five generating units that, once synchronized to the system, would provide more than 500 megawatts of capacity. However, he warned that the lack of diesel jeopardizes the sustainability of distributed generation.
The fuel deficit directly impacts the country's ability to maintain a stable electricity service, especially in rural areas and during peak hours. Blackouts will continue for an indefinite period.
Protests and blackouts: the other side of the crisis
The official statements attempted to explain a crisis that began more than five years ago, characterized by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and outdated electrical infrastructure. Millions of Cubans were unable to watch the Mesa Redonda because they had been without electricity for over 24 hours.
On the night of May 21, new protests shook the eastern region of Cuba. In the Micro 9 neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba, residents took to the streets during the blackout to demand changes in the government. There were also demonstrations in various areas of Bayamo.
The protesters chanted "current" and "food", amid the darkness and the increasing shortage of basic goods. The desperate cries echoed through the night, reflecting the frustration of a population suffocated by the economic crisis, the lack of solutions from the government, and the political repression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What causes blackouts in Cuba according to the government?
The Cuban government attributes the blackouts to the "criminal American blockade against Cuba." According to the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, the blockade prevents access to international financing, technologies, and resources necessary to maintain and repair the energy infrastructure.
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electrical system in Cuba is experiencing a critical situation with prolonged blackouts and a generation deficit of up to 1,700 MW during peak hours. This is due to breakdowns in thermal power plants, a lack of fuel, and outdated infrastructure, according to the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE).
How has the Cuban population reacted to the continuous blackouts?
The Cuban population has expressed its frustration and discontent through protests and criticisms on social media. In the protests, citizens have demanded changes in the government and solutions to the energy crisis, while on social media they have questioned the transparency of official reports and the unequal planning of power outages.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to manage the crisis through maintenance at power plants and planning for rotating power outages. However, these measures have not been sufficient to stabilize the power supply and meet the increasing energy demand.
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