The stability of the electricity service depends not only on fuel availability or the technical condition of thermoelectric power plants. In recent weeks, several municipalities in Holguin province have suffered an additional problem not included in the usual generation deficit reports. The direct sabotage of subtransmission substations.
The incidents reported in the municipalities of Moa, Mayari, and Urbano Noris go beyond simple vandalism. The theft of 1,200 liters of dielectric oil from the Moa Nueva Substation. Which knocked an essential transformer out of service. It demonstrates a deliberate act against critical infrastructure. With full awareness of the harm it would cause to thousands of families. This is not a minor theft: the number of customers affected by these incidents exceeds 12,000 across the Moa Nueva, Guerrita, Mayari 2, La Mensura, and La Pata substations.
Moreover the Cuban legal framework is unequivocal. Article 125 of the Penal Code (Law No. 151 of 2022) classifies these acts as sabotage. A crime that threatens collective security and the normal functioning of basic services. With penalties ranging from 7 to 15 years of imprisonment. Even life imprisonment when aggravating factors such as endangering collective security or affecting strategic infrastructure are present.
Opinion 475 of the Governing Council of the Supreme People’s Court, issued in May 2025. Reaffirmed that the acts against the National Electric System fully fall under this criminal offense.
It is particularly serious that these acts occur in a context where the country allocates limited resources. Under the weight of the economic blockade, to sustain an energy program that prioritizes renewable sources and service stability. Every liter of dielectric oil stolen not only damages a transformer, but also delays the restoration of power to areas that could receive electricity. Increases repair costs, and, above all, unnecessarily prolongs the blackouts that so severely affect daily life and economic activity.
Sector authorities have clearly warned about the dangers associated with these practices. A transformer operating without the proper oil level can overheat and cause short circuits, with the risk of explosions and fires. The danger is not abstract: anyone who tampers with this equipment without technical knowledge puts their own life and the lives of those living nearby at immediate risk.
The judicial response has been decisive. According to data from the Supreme People’s Court, in the period from January to December 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. The 100% of those tried for crimes against the electrical system received sentences exceeding 10 years of imprisonment. In addition to accessory penalties such as the confiscation of assets.
Community vigilance is an irreplaceable pillar in preventing these crimes. It is the responsibility of every citizen to promptly report any suspicious activity around utility poles, transformers, or substations. This is not optional, but a civic duty to the community. Which shares the same right to a stable electricity service.
The judicial system, protected by Articles 94 and 95 of the Constitution. It guarantees due process for those involved. However, there can be no leniency for those who, for personal gain, condemn thousands of homes to darkness. The law is meant to be obeyed, and protecting the nation’s energy resources requires coordinated action from authorities and the public.
By: Daimy Peña Guillén
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