Cuban singer Arlenys Rodríguez Lazo has voiced her frustration with the regime in response to the extended power outages in recent days, emphasizing that her daughter's food "is not a game."
"How long must we endure this abuse... my daughter's food is no game... the lives of Cubans, damn it... we are human beings, not rats," Rodríguez expressed on Facebook. As one of the first artists on the island to speak out amidst the recent electrical crisis, she has garnered widespread support from the Facebook community.
Trans artist Kiriam Gutiérrez added a comment on the post, criticizing the ruling class by noting, "Their children are doing just fine, enjoying life in their mansions, bars, and private enterprises with generators, attending universities in Europe and the USA, they must be very happy."
Gutiérrez continued, "They don't care one bit about the food for your daughter or for the Cubans still living in this plantation."
Numerous users thanked Rodríguez Lazo for her stance: "Finally, I see an artist raising their voice. Meanwhile, others act as if nothing is happening. Patria y Vida," one user remarked.
Another echoed the artist's feelings: "It's literal abuse; the little food we have is going to waste. May God have mercy on the Cubans," they emphasized.
Power Grid Collapse and Ongoing Electrical Crisis
The Union Eléctrica (UNE) has announced further power outages for the weekend following the near-total collapse of the National Electrical System (SEN) last Wednesday, which left much of the country without service.
Friday was particularly challenging, with a peak deficit in generation capacity reaching 2046 MW at 7:10 pm, a situation that sparked protests in areas of Havana and Matanzas.
According to UNE's report, as of 6:00 am Saturday, the SEN's available capacity was only 1000 MW against a demand of 2223 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1266 MW and directly impacting millions of users.
During midday, the estimated shortfall was 1250 MW, confirming that the crisis persists even outside peak consumption times.
The main factors contributing to this deficit include breakdowns and maintenance of generating units.
Currently, six units are out of service due to breakdowns at the CTE Mariel, Santa Cruz, Antonio Guiteras, Felton, and Antonio Maceo plants. Additionally, three blocks are undergoing maintenance at the Mariel, Nuevitas, and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes plants.
Furthermore, additional limitations in thermal generation account for 322 MW offline, keeping the SEN operating with a severely restricted capacity.
Havana witnessed a Friday night filled with pot-banging and protests in various locations due to the lack of power service.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the recent power outages in Cuba?
The outages were primarily caused by a near-total collapse of the National Electrical System (SEN) due to breakdowns and maintenance issues, leading to a significant shortfall in generation capacity.
How have Cuban citizens reacted to the power outages?
Many citizens, including artists like Arlenys Rodríguez Lazo, have expressed their frustration and anger, with some taking to the streets in protest and others voicing their concerns on social media.
What is being done to address the power crisis in Cuba?
The Union Eléctrica (UNE) is working to address the crisis by repairing breakdowns and conducting maintenance on various generating units, although challenges persist.