A resident of Calabazar, situated in the Boyeros municipality of Havana, took to Facebook this past Friday to expose a troubling issue: state electrical workers allegedly selling electricity meant for her neighborhood illegally, while other private businesses and circuits enjoyed uninterrupted power for a price.
The woman behind this revelation, known as Isol G, is also the individual who initially shared videos of a protest in Calabazar that gained traction on social media platforms.
In her post, Isol G describes how her community endured months with only sporadic electricity, while small businesses and other prioritized circuits were lit around the clock. According to her account, on Thursday night, residents caught the workers red-handed. "The vehicle, which is essential equipment, was loaded with beer, they had wads of cash, and were drunk as skunks, profiting off the suffering of the people," she wrote in her Facebook post.
Following the community's intervention, the employees were taken into custody.
Corruption and Its Consequences
The complaint also brings to light a similar incident in the Mantilla neighborhood, where electric system employees allegedly offered to restore power for a fee of $200. "They hinted that the darkness was self-inflicted by the community. With $200, they would turn the lights back on," Isol G reported.
Acknowledging the structural causes of the energy crisis, Isol G emphasized that corruption is exacerbating the situation. "It's true that fuel shortages cause long blackouts, but it's equally true that some employees of the OBE and UNE are running a business out of it," she noted.
Her statement captures the community's frustration: "They cut off the power from whoever they want and provide it to those who pay."
Isol G also made a personal plea: "I demand justice for the nights my newborn has gone without sleep, tormented by severe blackouts and mosquito bites that only harm her."
A Nation in Darkness
These events unfold as Cuba faces its most severe energy crisis in decades. On Friday, the nation was grappling with an electricity shortfall of nearly 2,260 MW, with only 940 MW available against a demand of 3,100 MW.
This is not an isolated instance of corruption in Cuba's electrical system. In 2024, three line workers of UNE in Mariel were charged with misappropriating over 21 million pesos using official vehicles. In June 2025, seven employees of the Havana Electric Company and 14 clients were convicted of fraud and bribery. June 2026 saw the discovery of illegal electrical connections to prioritized circuits in Guantánamo.
Boyeros and Calabazar have their own history of civil unrest. In November 2024, residents blocked Avenida Boyeros following a week-long blackout, prompting a police crackdown. In May 2026, protests erupted over blackouts lasting up to 22 hours daily in Mulgoba. June 2026 witnessed 107 documented protests across the island, with 82 occurring in Havana, marking a historic high.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Turmoil
What triggered the protests in Calabazar?
The protests in Calabazar were sparked by allegations of illegal electricity sales by state employees, leaving residents with very limited power supply while other areas had continuous service for a fee.
How severe is Cuba's current energy crisis?
Cuba is experiencing its worst energy crisis in decades, with a significant electricity deficit of almost 2,260 MW against a demand of 3,100 MW.
What are some past instances of corruption in Cuba's electric system?
Previous cases include the misappropriation of funds by line workers in Mariel and illegal electric connections in Guantánamo, as well as fraud and bribery involving employees of the Havana Electric Company.