Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz has taken to satire to highlight the exasperating power crisis plaguing the nation. Recently, his neighborhood received a mere 45 minutes of electricity after an agonizingly long wait without power.
On his Facebook profile, Ortiz humorously remarked, "After endless hours of blackout, Block 2, in recognition of its endurance, was rewarded with 45 minutes of light. As the famous saying goes, 'We owe everything we are to socialism.'"
Ortiz's comment is a twist on the official slogan of the Communist Party of Cuba—"To the Revolution and socialism, we owe everything we are today"—long used as propaganda to tie national identity to the socialist agenda.
By reworking this slogan, Ortiz turns it into a punchline to expose the stark reality: what the regime touts as an achievement, the Cuban people experience as severe scarcity.
Worsening Power Crisis
This satirical commentary comes amid Cuba's worst power crisis in 2026, with a deficit reaching 2,206 MW on July 3, dangerously close to the all-time high.
The power generation capacity ranged between 944 and 1,100 MW, while demand soared between 3,150 and 3,200 MW.
The situation across provinces is dire. Matanzas has faced power cuts lasting up to 87 consecutive hours. Havana experiences interruptions of 20 to 30 continuous hours, and Santiago de Cuba receives just one or two hours of electricity daily since June 16.
On July 4, the entire province of Granma was plunged into darkness due to a frequency drop at a National Electrical System substation.
That day, 11 thermoelectric units were out of service: six due to breakdowns and five undergoing maintenance.
Satirical Commentary on Blackouts
This isn't the first time Ortiz has used humor to criticize the blackouts. In July 2025, he described himself as an "energy beggar" due to the early morning power cuts in Cuba.
Similarly, in November 2024, while abroad, he contrasted the abundant electricity outside the island with the energy poverty within: "I'm up to my neck in kilowatts, how nice, brother."
The blackout "block" system—where each area receives power in rotating shifts—has broken down to the point where provincial electric companies admit they can't even adhere to their own schedules, leaving citizens with minutes of electricity instead of promised hours.
Understanding Cuba's Power Struggles
What is causing Cuba's power crisis in 2026?
Cuba's power crisis in 2026 is primarily due to a significant deficit between electricity generation and demand, compounded by outdated infrastructure and maintenance issues.
How are Cuban citizens affected by the power outages?
Cuban citizens face extreme hardships due to prolonged power outages, with some areas experiencing up to 87 consecutive hours without electricity, severely impacting daily life and access to essential services.
What is the "block" system of blackouts in Cuba?
The "block" system in Cuba allocates electricity to different areas in rotating shifts. However, this system has collapsed, leading to unpredictable and insufficient power supply for many citizens.