Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, the First Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, openly admitted on Friday that Cuba's distributed electricity generation is at a standstill due to a severe shortage of fuel, exacerbating the ongoing energy crisis plaguing the nation.
During a press briefing at the International Press Center in Havana, Abad painted a grim picture of the current situation, describing it as the most challenging scenario faced by the National Electric System (SEN) to date. The briefing was attended by journalists and members of the solidarity convoy “Nuestra América.”
Abad detailed that for the past three months, Cuba has not received essential supplies of diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, aviation turbine fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas—critical fuels needed to support various economic sectors and power generation.
The deputy minister acknowledged that this predicament has rendered the distributed generation system inoperative. This system, which relies on engines and small power plants, was initially promoted by dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016) and touted by the government for years as a key alternative to bolster the SEN.
“We have exhausted our ability to produce electricity through the distributed generation system that we worked so hard to restore,” Abad stated, emphasizing the impact of the fuel deficit.
He admitted that the low levels of electricity generation are directly affecting the nation's economic and social life, with prolonged blackouts reported across multiple provinces.
This official acknowledgment comes amid growing public dissatisfaction over power outages, which in many areas exceed 20 hours daily.
In recent weeks, instances of public dissent, including banging of pots and pans and protests, have been reported in various locations such as Morón in Ciego de Ávila, Santiago de Cuba, and some neighborhoods in Havana. Residents have taken to the streets after enduring extended periods without electricity or water supply.
The deteriorating state of the SEN continues to fuel social unrest, as the government grapples with mounting challenges in sustaining the country's electric power generation, further complicated by energy sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump's administration in late January.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What has caused the collapse of Cuba's distributed electricity generation?
The collapse is primarily due to a severe shortage of fuel, which is essential for operating the distributed generation system that relies on engines and small power plants.
How is the energy crisis affecting daily life in Cuba?
The crisis has led to prolonged blackouts, sometimes exceeding 20 hours daily, disrupting economic activities and daily life, and causing widespread public dissatisfaction.
What steps has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The government has acknowledged the difficulties but faces increasing challenges in sustaining electric power generation, particularly due to the compounded effects of international sanctions.