Matanzas electrical grid damaged by dielectric oil theft

Theft of dielectric oil from electrical transformers has caused significant damage to the power grid in Matanzas, Cuba. Authorities report that over 55,000 liters of oil have been stolen, leading to the destruction of at least 91 transformers. This vandalism has resulted in prolonged power outages, with some communities, such as Carbonera, lacking electricity for more than three months.

Local officials, including the Intendant of Jovellanos, have expressed frustration over the criminal acts and the involvement of local recipients of the stolen oil. The theft of this essential liquid, which provides insulation and cooling for electrical equipment, has crippled several substations, including those in Cárdenas and Salé.

Efforts to mitigate the crisis include repairing transformers in the Perico municipality and attempting to reuse filtered, recovered oil due to the country's inability to replace the stolen supplies. Security measures, such as solar lamps and surveillance cameras, have been implemented at some sites, but theft continues to disrupt essential services and public transportation infrastructure.