The Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Center, commonly referred to as Renté in Santiago de Cuba, experienced another breakdown this past Saturday, further exacerbating the already dire energy crisis plaguing the island with relentless blackouts. The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) shared a brief update on social media, stating that Unit 5 of the plant ceased operations at 6:50 AM due to a furnace leak. The state-run company did not provide specifics regarding the extent of the damage or an estimated recovery timeline, only mentioning ongoing efforts to resolve the issue.
The shutdown of Renté 5 comes at a particularly precarious time for the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), which is riddled with failures across nearly all its thermal plants. Just hours earlier, Unit 3 of the same plant was also taken offline, less than 11 hours after its synchronization. This latest incident once again highlights the precarious state of the system.
The official report from the UNE on Friday acknowledged a deficit exceeding 1,700 megawatts during peak hours, accounting for nearly half of the nation's demand. As a result, widespread blackouts surpassing 20 hours daily affect several provinces, including Santiago de Cuba, where residents endure nearly constant power outages. The crisis stems from multiple issues: outdated plants, incomplete maintenance, non-existent spare parts, and a lack of fuel. The UNE itself recently admitted that 53 distributed generation plants are inactive due to a diesel shortage, while many others are down because of a lack of lubricants.
Despite the regime's promises of repairs and new solar energy investments, the situation continues to deteriorate. Miguel Díaz-Canel recently visited the thermoelectric plants in Mariel and Santa Cruz del Norte, claiming that with collective effort, the SEN would recover. However, official data reveals that the measures have failed to halt the steady decline of units. Meanwhile, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy assured that new blocks would enter the system in October, while acknowledging the lack of funding and the withdrawal of six out of eight floating power plants due to unpaid bills.
The public's reaction was swift, with one of the most resonant responses being the ironic "We Are Continuity!" -- the official slogan of the Díaz-Canel government, which Cubans have redefined as a denunciation. With this phrase, citizens highlight the continuation of a political project that, instead of providing solutions, perpetuates poverty, blackouts, and the erosion of basic rights. Used with anger and sarcasm on social media, it has become a symbol of collective frustration toward a system that only offers unfulfilled promises and more sacrifices for an increasingly desperate population.
As authorities repeat their assurances, the Cuban populace remains trapped in endless blackouts that paralyze daily life. On social media, disbelief and exhaustion are summed up in comments like: "It's better not to turn it back on, because every time it starts, they shut us all down afterward." The shutdown of Renté 5 confirms that the energy crisis in Cuba shows no sign of easing, and blackouts will continue to dictate the daily lives of millions without a short-term structural solution in sight.