Daily blackouts averaging over four hours have become commonplace in Havana, a troubling symptom of an ongoing energy crisis as summer intensifies. The situation in the capital mirrors nationwide outages that have persisted for months due to fuel shortages, natural disasters, and a struggling economy. While Havana, a vital commercial hub and tourist destination, used to be insulated from severe outages, this year has seen a significant change.
Residents express growing frustration and stress as blackouts disrupt daily life, making basic tasks like showering and eating increasingly difficult. Aramis Bueno, a Central Havana resident, lamented, “It’s not easy living like this.” The ongoing blackouts have intensified as the U.S. tightened sanctions on Cuba, reinstating it as a state sponsor of terrorism and imposing stricter remittance and trade restrictions.
While blackouts in Havana are primarily scheduled and shorter in duration than in rural areas—where outages can extend up to 15 hours—people remain anxious. Dayamí Cheri, from Old Havana, shared the struggles of enduring extreme heat without power, emphasizing the electricity system’s failure. Recent power outages have even led to school and workplace closures, contributing to a significant 1.9% economic decline in 2023, with no reported growth for 2024.
Despite these challenges, Cuba is working towards a brighter future with a China-backed initiative to establish over 50 solar parks, which could generate more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity. So far, 11 solar parks have been installed since February, offering a glimmer of hope amid the persistent blackouts. Yet, many residents like Yasunay Perez, who has lived through blackouts all her life, brace themselves for a long, challenging summer.
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