A resident from the Havana district of La Lisa has taken to Facebook to accuse the Havana Electric Company of enabling an alleged illegal diversion of electricity. This situation reportedly leaves two residential circuits with merely an hour of power daily, while a third enjoys uninterrupted supply for six to eight hours.
Elizabeth González Aznar highlights a peculiar situation that, according to her, remains unexplained by authorities. In San Agustín, three electrical circuits—2073, 2075, and A1223—exhibit vastly different power distribution patterns.
"Something strange is happening in San Agustín Lisa. It's as if we belong to a different National Electroenergetic System. Circuit A1223 remains powered for no less than six hours, yet no one can explain why," González wrote. She noted the lack of response from the Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of La Lisa, the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, and the local Basic Enterprise Unit.
According to González's report, circuit 2073 was powered on Monday at 11:50 AM and lost electricity precisely one hour later at 12:50 PM. By 4:00 PM, the service number 18888 still couldn't provide the reason for the automatic trip.
"Whenever circuit 2073 is powered, we get electricity for only an hour due to these automatic trips, which the electric company seems uninterested in investigating," the Havana resident lamented, adding, "Clearly, it doesn't matter to anyone that we live with just one hour of electricity a day."
González also criticizes a bureaucratic maze designed to muffle complaints: operators at 18888 refuse to log grievances, claiming their role is solely to inform. Meanwhile, the municipal Basic Enterprise Unit directs citizens to the Load Dispatch, which shirks accountability.
"That's why corruption thrives in this company; they know public complaints fall on deaf ears," she wrote, linking La Lisa's situation to similar incidents in other districts.
She concluded her post with a stern warning to the authorities: "But I refuse to be silent. I repeat: illegal activities with electricity are happening in La Lisa."
While her grievance reflects her daily struggles, it's not an isolated incident. Last week, two electric grid workers were caught by neighbors in Calabazar, Boyeros district, illegally selling the neighborhood's electricity supply to private businesses. They were found with stacks of cash and boxes of beer in their official vehicle.
The Electric Union acknowledged the incident and vowed to take "appropriate measures."
Understanding the Electricity Crisis in Havana
What is the main complaint by residents of La Lisa?
Residents of La Lisa are frustrated by the alleged illegal diversion of electricity that results in unequal power distribution. They claim some areas receive significantly less electricity compared to others.
How have authorities responded to these allegations?
Authorities, including the Havana Electric Company, have yet to provide a satisfactory explanation or solution to the problem, according to the complaints shared by residents like González.
What actions have been taken against illegal electricity sales?
The Electric Union has promised to address the issue after two workers were caught illegally selling electricity in Calabazar. They have committed to implementing "appropriate measures."