Protests in Havana: Pot-Banging During 2,000 MW Power Cuts
Discontent grows in Cuba with pot-banging protests in Havana following a record energy deficit of nearly 2,000 MW that keeps the island in darkness.
2 min read
Illustration: Aroma de Cuba (AI)
Social tension in Cuba reached a new critical point this weekend. Residents from various Havana neighborhoods, including Marianao, Centro Habana, and Vedado, staged intense cacerolazos (pot-banging protests) in almost total darkness. The protests follow days of extreme electricity interruptions that have left much of the population without basic power supply.
An Unprecedented Energy Deficit
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has reported a generation deficit hovering around 2,000 MW, a record figure that means more than half the country is without electricity simultaneously. The crisis has been worsened by critical failures at main thermoelectric plants and a persistent fuel shortage, despite the recent arrival of shipments from Russia and Mexico.
The impact of these blackouts goes beyond the lack of light; it affects food preservation, water supply, and daily life in an economy already suffering from inflation and scarcity.
Voices from the Darkness
“Without electricity, you can’t do anything—not cook, not rest,” a resident commented on social media while the rhythmic sound of spoons hitting metal could be heard. Videos circulating show deserted streets barely lit by cell phones, where discontent is expressed through noise.
Despite government attempts to implement temporary solutions, Cuba’s energy infrastructure shows signs of a systemic collapse that is difficult to reverse in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why are there so many blackouts in Cuba now? The crisis is due to a combination of aging thermoelectric infrastructure with constant failures and a critical lack of fuel for generation plants.
2. Which areas of Havana have reported protests? Pot-banging and protests have been documented in neighborhoods like San Miguel del Padrón, Marianao, Centro Habana, and Vedado.
3. What is the current electrical deficit reported by UNE? The Electric Union has forecast deficits near 2,000 MW, representing a massive impact across the national territory.
4. Has any foreign aid arrived to alleviate the energy crisis? Yes, fuel tankers from Russia and food ships from Mexico have arrived recently, but they Haven’t been enough to stabilize the National Electric System.
Sources:
Related Posts:
- Cuba Energy Crisis: 63% of the Island Without Power
- Cuba Plunges into Darkness: Over 70% of the Island Without Electricity
- Massive Blackout in Cuba: Two-Thirds of the Island Without Electricity
- Cuba’s Blackouts: Generation Deficit Surpasses 2,000 MW Record
- Russian Tanker Sea Horse Arrives in Cuba with Critical Fuel
How we got here
Background
The first thing we published on this topic.
How Cubans Are Surviving the Fuel Rationing Crisis
Neighbors unite to cook with firewood, power cuts lasting up to 18 hours, and echoes of the Special Period. Testimonies from Havana on the energy crisis.
Cuba Postpones IT Convention 2026 Due to Energy Crisis
Cuba's main technology event, scheduled for March, is indefinitely postponed due to the 'extraordinary situation' facing the country.
Related articles
Mexico's Aid Arrives in Cuba: 1,200 Tons of Food Reach Havana
Two Mexican Navy vessels, Huasteco and Papaloapan, have docked in Havana with critical humanitarian aid amid the worst energy and economic crisis in years.
Pot-Banging in Miramar: Havana Protests Massive Blackouts
Miramar neighbors joined the pot-banging protests on the fourth night of demonstrations in Havana due to the energy crisis and prolonged power cuts.
Cuba in the Dark: Failure at the Guiteras Plant
Two-thirds of Cuba lose electricity after a breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras power plant. Havana and central provinces suffer critical blackouts.
Cuba Power Crisis: Deficit Nears 2,000 MW This March 4
Cuba faces an extreme energy emergency with a projected 1,960 MW deficit, affecting over 60% of the island. Havana reports blackouts lasting over 13 hours.
Havana Garbage Chaos: Only 40% of Collection Trucks Active
A critical fuel shortage paralyses garbage collection in Havana, creating massive debris piles on street corners and raising serious public health concerns.
Cuban Aviation Paralyzed: Airports Without Fuel Until Mid-March
Cuban civil aviation faces an unprecedented crisis. Seven international airports, including Havana, notify lack of fuel for aircraft refueling.