As a nationwide blackout engulfed Cuba on Saturday, residents of El Vedado, a neighborhood in Havana, intensified their protests against the communist government with a pot-banging demonstration.
Activist Magdiel Jorge Castro shared footage capturing the sounds of banging pots resonating in the pervasive darkness.
Widespread Power Outage
The widespread blackout was reportedly triggered by a cascading failure following the shutdown of Unit 6 at the 10 de Octubre thermoelectric power plant in Nuevitas, Camagüey. This incident caused another massive blackout that afternoon across Cuba.
According to a statement on Facebook by the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), "The complete disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN) occurred after Unit No. 6 in Nuevitas went offline. This initiated a cascading effect on the remaining operational units."
Efforts to gradually restore the SEN have been set in motion, with micro-islands and microsystems being activated to supply power to essential centers, hospitals, and water supply systems. The National Load Dispatch Center is overseeing the restoration process in collaboration with provincial dispatches and energy-supplying technologies, including Unión Cuba Petróleo. However, a clear timeline for service stabilization has not been provided.
Prior to this, the UNE had announced that the massive blackout began after a total disconnection of the SEN at 6:38 p.m.
Recurring Energy Crisis
This marks the second complete SEN disconnection within a week, amidst a severe energy crisis. The crisis is exacerbated by the aging thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and frequent breakdowns, resulting in daily blackouts across much of the country. The situation is further complicated by the oil blockade imposed by the Trump Administration.
Friday's Protests in Havana
Early Friday morning, significant protests and street bonfires were reported in the Santos Suárez neighborhood of the 10 de Octubre municipality, despite a heavy police presence.
Videos circulating on Facebook show that one of the main protest sites was in the Santo Suárez district, particularly at Santa Irene and Calzada de Diez de Octubre, where residents took to the streets, energetically banging pots.
Simultaneously, another pot-banging protest was reported near the Esquina de Toyo, a hotspot during the July 11, 2021 protests.
Understanding the Cuban Blackouts
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The recent blackout was caused by a cascading failure following the shutdown of Unit 6 at the 10 de Octubre thermoelectric power plant in Nuevitas, Camagüey.
How are protests in Havana related to the blackouts?
Residents in Havana are staging protests, such as pot-banging demonstrations, to express their frustration and opposition to the government's handling of the ongoing energy crisis.
What steps are being taken to restore power in Cuba?
Efforts to restore power include activating micro-islands and microsystems to supply power to essential services while the National Load Dispatch Center coordinates with provincial dispatches.