A Cuban woman residing in Spain, known on TikTok as @lapelua68, has voiced her outrage regarding the ongoing power outages in Pinar del Río, where her family has endured up to 22 hours without electricity. "What's happening in Cuba, in Pinar del Río, is just outrageous. It's overwhelming, it's stressful, it's unbelievable. 22 hours without power!" she exclaimed, visibly upset, in her video.
In her message, she condemned the energy crisis and the lack of response from Cuban authorities. "My mother, my family, can't eat, can't wash, can't even clean themselves because of the damned government running that damn island of Cuba," she added, criticizing the state's inaction amid the crisis.
The woman's comments have sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many users confirming that prolonged blackouts are affecting the entire country. One user remarked, "My daughter and granddaughter live in Viñales and told me they've been without electricity for two days. The dictatorship knows that's the most resilient province."
Another suggested, "The people and all the Cubans here should head over there, unite, and take to the streets. Talking from here doesn't do anything." Others highlighted that the crisis isn't limited to Pinar del Río. "Oh well, in Granma it's been like this for a while and we're silently enduring it," one user stated, while another noted, "In Villa Clara, they go up to 40 hours without seeing electricity."
Energy Crisis Amplifies Frustration
Some believe the issue stems from the population's passivity. "The people themselves need to find a solution," one user commented, while another added, "If they take it away permanently, nothing changes. The local delegate just tells you to endure."
The frustration expressed by the Cuban woman in Spain and others on social media is in response to an escalating energy crisis in Cuba. According to reports from the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE), the country is experiencing generation deficits exceeding 1,700 MW, leading to widespread blackouts across the island.
This Wednesday, the UNE reported that the electrical service was disrupted for 24 hours and that interruptions are expected to continue due to breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages. During peak nighttime hours, the generation shortfall could reach 1,726 MW, leaving the population in a state of uncertainty and hardship.
Despite the Cuban government's continuous promises to improve the electrical system, the reality remains that the infrastructure is deteriorating, and the population continues to endure long blackouts without any solutions in sight.
Cuba's Energy Crisis: Questions and Answers
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing power outages due to generation deficits that have exceeded 1,700 MW, caused by breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages.
How long are the power outages lasting?
In some areas, such as Pinar del Río, power outages are lasting up to 22 hours, and in other regions like Villa Clara, they can extend to 40 hours without electricity.
What has been the government's response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has made continuous promises to improve the electrical system, but the infrastructure remains in poor condition, and the population continues to face prolonged blackouts without any effective solutions.