The administration of the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) has once again come under severe scrutiny from frustrated citizens, who voiced their growing discontent on social media. Comments on the state-owned company's official Facebook page on Tuesday, August 13—Fidel Castro's birthday—highlight a landscape of indignation and hopelessness amid a seemingly endless energy crisis, which led to blackouts throughout the day, affecting up to 605 MW.
The lack of transparency, broken promises, and constant disruption of electrical services have pushed the population to the brink, as evidenced by numerous comments questioning the competence and ethics of the responsible authorities.
Public Outcry and Energy Crisis Mismanagement
The most frequent criticisms focused on the UNE's lack of transparency and incompetence in managing the energy crisis. Users complained that the information provided by the company is confusing and contradictory, with reports that do not reflect the reality experienced in their homes.
Frustration is compounded by the perception that the solutions offered by the UNE are inadequate and that problems worsen over time instead of being resolved. The management of thermoelectric plants, particularly the units in Nuevitas and Santa Cruz, was one of the most criticized topics. Users frequently mentioned that these units are constantly going in and out of service without providing a stable solution, leading many to question the quality of maintenance work and suggesting that the UNE's leadership lacks control over the situation.
Another point of criticism is the lack of equity in the distribution of blackouts. Several comments pointed out that while certain provinces like Havana seem less affected, other regions suffer from prolonged and repeated power cuts, generating a sense of injustice among the population.
Moreover, the energy crisis is severely impacting the quality of life, with special mention of the unbearable heat at night and the lack of rest due to the blackouts. "Cuba should be renamed Penumbra. This is constant torture," said Mabelys Aroche.
"A great gift for the commander on his birthday; the thermoelectric plants go on break and half the country is in blackout," observed Carlos Dailen Collazo Escobar.
"We owe all this to him," opined Edenis Salgado, while Randy Suárez Otero quoted, "This is the Revolution of the humble, for the humble, and by the humble, they said... well, we humble people are tired of their inefficiency, ineptitude, and lies."
"Pinocchio, their noses are going to grow. Today there's double the blackout because they're celebrating the birthday of the dead mummy," noted Ailyn Martínez.
"And wasn't the situation supposed to be better in the summer? This only has one name: normalization of the crisis," criticized Leandro Bringas. "Dark summer, third season, and we're going for more," concluded Tony Naranjo Pampillo.
"What is out of service is their morals and shame, which they have none of. How much more can this people endure? Until when?" said an indignant Alberto Reyes.
"We are suffering from heat and mosquito bites almost every night; this is abuse," complained María Elena Núñez.
"Let's go for more! The most profitable company in Cuba; more deficit every day and zero stability. Bravo!" ironized Carlos Vargas.
The UNE's management has reached a critical point where the public openly expresses their discontent and despair. The comments gathered this Tuesday reflect a society that feels betrayed by broken promises and burdened by a crisis that appears to have no end in sight.
The lack of transparency, inequality in the distribution of blackouts, and the perception of incompetence by the authorities have created a climate of widespread indignation.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
The following questions and answers provide further insights into the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, the public's reaction, and the UNE's management issues.
Why are Cubans frustrated with the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE)?
Cubans are frustrated with the UNE due to a lack of transparency, broken promises, and constant disruptions in electrical services. The information provided by the company is often seen as confusing and contradictory.
What are the main criticisms against the UNE?
The main criticisms against the UNE include their lack of transparency, perceived incompetence in managing the crisis, and inequitable distribution of blackouts. There is also a sentiment that the solutions offered are insufficient and that problems are worsening over time.
How is the energy crisis affecting the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis is severely impacting the quality of life in Cuba, especially during the night when the heat becomes unbearable, and there is a lack of rest due to frequent blackouts. This has led to widespread frustration and a sense of hopelessness among the population.