In an attempt to mitigate the severe energy crisis impacting eastern Cuba, the Granma Electric Company has established a charging station for cell phones and other essential devices. This facility is located at their Customer Service Center, situated on Amado Estévez Street between 5 and 5A in Bayamo, nestled between the BANDEC Bank and the Provincial Court.
This initiative comes at a time when Cuba is experiencing its most significant energy challenges in recent memory.
On Thursday, the National Electroenergetic System recorded an unprecedented deficit of 2,174 MW during the peak evening hours, with only 976 MW available to meet a demand of 3,150 MW. This shortfall left roughly 70% of the nation without power.
Impact of the Crisis on Granma Province
Granma is among the hardest-hit provinces, suffering from blackouts that have stretched up to 24 hours daily as of May 2026. This past Thursday, the entire province was plunged into darkness following a frequency drop on the Contramaestre-Bayamo line.
The Energy and Mines Minister, Vicente de la O Levy, has openly acknowledged the complete lack of fuel needed for electricity generation, stating, "We have no fuel, no diesel, only accompanying gas," characterizing the situation as "acute, critical," and "extremely tense."
Fuel Shortages: A Key Cause
The root of the problem lies in a crippling fuel shortage. Cuba received only one oil shipment between December 2025 and April 2026, despite requiring eight shipments monthly. Venezuela halted its deliveries in November 2025, and Mexico nearly ceased its shipments in January 2026.
A temporary improvement came in April, thanks to a Russian donation of 100,000 tons of crude oil, but it was depleted by early May.
Additional Challenges: Vandalism and Theft
Beyond the fuel crisis, the electrical infrastructure faces threats from vandalism. In April, the theft of dielectric oil in the Julia community in Bayamo left approximately 20,000 people without power for four days, necessitating constant surveillance by the company across its 61 isolated substations.
The newly established charging station is a symbolic gesture amidst a crisis with no immediate resolution in sight. According to the official statement, the space is "available to help keep your essential devices operational," urging the public to "attend in an orderly manner."
This isn't the first time Cuban authorities have resorted to such measures. In October 2025, Joel Queipo Ruiz, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Holguín, encouraged citizens to share generators to power cell phones among neighbors: "Those with a generator should use it to charge cell phones, providing energy from person to person."
Over the past 18 months, Cuba has faced at least seven total collapses of its electrical system, including a nationwide blackout lasting 29 hours and 29 minutes on March 16, 2026.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent energy crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to a severe shortage of fuel for electricity generation. This has been exacerbated by the discontinuation of oil shipments from key suppliers like Venezuela and Mexico.
How is Granma province affected by the energy crisis?
Granma has been severely impacted, experiencing blackouts lasting up to 24 hours daily. The province was completely without power following a frequency drop on a major power line.
What measures has the government taken to address the power shortages?
The government has set up charging stations for essential devices and urged citizens to share resources like generators. However, these are temporary and symbolic solutions to a deeper systemic problem.