In the municipality of Mayarí, Holguín, more than 20,000 individuals are experiencing a power outage following the illegal siphoning of dielectric oil, which led to the complete breakdown of a distribution transformer.
According to state media reporter Emilio Rodríguez Pupo, the outage has impacted 10,728 customers, as detailed in a Facebook post on Monday.
The theft was discovered on Friday when technicians found a significant amount of oil missing from the equipment located at the substation serving the area.
Authorities from the Ministry of the Interior swiftly identified and apprehended the alleged culprits within 24 hours.
Despite the arrests, the loss of oil severely damaged the transformer's internal components, resulting in a total malfunction.
Efforts to Repair the Damage
A specialized team from Holguín arrived at the substation on Saturday to replenish the oil and conduct necessary technical assessments, explained Yosvani Almira Laurencio, director of the Mayarí Electrical Base Business Unit.
Initial tests showed promising results, but abnormal operating conditions led to further disruptions on Saturday night and Sunday.
After thorough evaluations, experts concluded that the transformer was beyond repair.
Challenges in Replacing the Equipment
“These units are nearly irreplaceable with immediate reserves,” admitted Almira Laurencio, highlighting the complex national efforts required to replace it.
Holguín lacks a spare transformer to immediately swap with the damaged one. The Provincial Electric Company and the National Electric Union are working to locate an available transformer in another region to transport to Mayarí.
This operation involves cranes, specialized transportation, fuel, and technical crews, significantly increasing the costs needed to restore service.
Impact on Local Communities
The outage affects the communities of Levisa, Río Grande, La Italiana, El Purio, and Santa Rita, where thousands of families struggle with food preservation and daily activities reliant on electricity.
Mayarí faced a similar incident in April when over 400 customers in Guerrita went without power for 29 days due to a similar oil theft at a substation.
The lack of spare parts necessitated transporting a 630 kVA transformer from Havana to restore service, underscoring the scarcity of equipment within the province.
Growing Trend of Oil Thefts
According to official data, oil theft has become the most common crime against Holguín's electrical system.
More than half of the 42 criminal incidents reported in the province by the end of July were related to oil theft from transformers.
The issue extends beyond Holguín. On Tuesday, authorities announced the arrest of six members of a gang suspected of stealing dielectric oil from transformers in Güines and Melena del Sur, Mayabeque.
The authorities stressed that safeguarding substations located within or near communities also requires the cooperation of local residents as efforts continue to secure the equipment needed to restore power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Outages in Holguín
What caused the power outage in Holguín?
The power outage was caused by the theft of dielectric oil from a distribution transformer, leading to its complete malfunction.
How are authorities addressing the transformer oil thefts?
Authorities have identified and apprehended suspects involved in the thefts and are taking steps to secure equipment and prevent future incidents.
What impact does the power outage have on local communities?
The outage affects daily activities and food preservation for thousands of families in the affected communities.