What's going on with Cuba's energy crisis?

Havana (EFE).- Cuba has endured 12 months of a full-blown energy crisis marked by blackouts lasting up to 20 hours a day, four nationwide power outages, repeated breakdowns at power plants, a paralyzed economy, and growing social frustration. Experts warn that there is little prospect of improvement in the near future.

Why are some of Cuba's Sen power plants out of service?

Several of Cuba’s seven thermoelectric plants, the backbone of the SEN, are frequently out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. These facilities suffer from decades of overuse and chronic underinvestment. At one point, Cuba docked eight floating power plants along its coast as a temporary solution.

Why are power outages a problem in Cuba?

Power outages have become the top concern for Cubans, who struggle to preserve food, conduct banking or bureaucratic tasks, charge electric motorcycles and phones, and carry out household chores. Many wake up in the early hours of the morning, when electricity briefly returns, to cook, iron, or pump water.

Is there a future for Cuba?

Experts warn that there is little prospect of improvement in the near future. Power outages have become the top concern for Cubans, who struggle to preserve food, conduct banking or bureaucratic tasks, charge electric motorcycles and phones, and carry out household chores.