Cuba remains engulfed in darkness following the complete shutdown of the National Electric System (SEN) on Monday, plunging the entire nation into an electricity void. The authorities have yet to clarify the reasons behind this widespread failure.
In the midst of this crisis, the official priority in Guantánamo has not been to explain the origins of the blackout. Instead, efforts have concentrated on deploying so-called Quick Response Teams to bolster surveillance in neighborhoods and institutions.
The state-run newspaper Venceremos reported that provincial authorities implemented "organizational and surveillance measures" following the electrical system's collapse, aiming to maintain order during the energy crisis.
The publication indicated that community watch was intensified, and the Quick Response Teams, along with guards at workplace and state centers, were kept vigilant to protect resources and ensure "citizen tranquility."
Meanwhile, the limited electricity available is being allocated solely to essential services. Starting at 8:00 p.m., according to official statements, "generation islands" powered by diesel and fuel oil generators began operating to maintain power supply in hospitals, including the provincial and children's hospitals, as well as other strategic centers.
In Baracoa, officials secured fuel to keep the local hospital's generator running, one of the few facilities expected to have electricity during the night.
The rest of the province will endure total outages while specialists assess which circuits could be energized if the available capacity allows. Authorities have pledged to provide hourly updates via the Electric Company's social media channels and state media.
This widespread outage occurred after a day already characterized by severe generation shortages. According to the Electric Union (UNE), the system had been operating under intense strain for hours, with availability falling far short of actual demand.
The complete collapse of the SEN has left the island at one of the most critical points of its energy crisis, exacerbated by aging thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and frequent breakdowns.
So far, the government admits it has not been able to ascertain what caused the system's failure, leaving millions of Cubans in uncertainty as they await the restoration of service amid the darkness.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba?
The National Electric System (SEN) is Cuba's primary electricity grid, responsible for distributing power across the island. It recently suffered a complete shutdown, leaving the country without electricity.
Why are Quick Response Teams being prioritized in Guantánamo?
In Guantánamo, the focus has shifted to Quick Response Teams to enhance community surveillance and maintain order during the ongoing energy crisis, rather than addressing the blackout's cause directly.
How is Cuba managing the limited electricity supply during the blackout?
Cuba is channeling the scarce electricity supply to vital services, including hospitals and strategic centers, using "generation islands" driven by diesel and fuel oil generators.