A resident of the El Palenque neighborhood in San Antonio de los Baños has taken to Facebook to address local authorities, demanding answers for the consecutive nights without electricity affecting her community.
"To the relevant authorities of this town, San Antonio de los Baños, is there anyone who can explain why El Palenque has been without power for the past two nights? We have children in wheelchairs, sick individuals, and elderly women with severe respiratory issues. My great-grandchildren lost a 10-pound package of chicken due to spoilage," the woman expressed in the 30-second video.
The post has garnered more than 4,400 reactions on the platform, highlighting the shared frustration of countless Cubans facing similar hardships.
The Worst Energy Crisis in Cuba's History
What’s happening in El Palenque is a daily manifestation of an unprecedented electrical collapse. On July 10, 2026, Cuba's National Electric System recorded its highest historic shortfall: 2,341 MW, with only 935 MW available to meet a demand of 3,100 MW, resulting in the fourth nationwide blackout of the year.
The frequent power outages are primarily due to the outdated state of thermoelectric plants and a chronic shortage of fuel, a situation worsened by the reduced supply from Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's arrest in January 2026.
While the Cuban populace endures these hardships, the government’s response follows a familiar pattern. On July 4, Díaz-Canel dismissed the public's protests by saying "bang your pots at the neighbors to the north," blaming the crisis on the U.S. embargo.
Understanding the Power Outage Crisis in Cuba
What is causing the power outages in San Antonio de los Baños?
The outages are largely due to the aging infrastructure of thermoelectric plants and a severe fuel shortage, compounded by reduced Venezuelan oil supplies since early 2026.
How has the public reacted to the ongoing power crisis?
Many Cubans have expressed their frustration on social media, as evidenced by the significant reactions to a recent video plea from an El Palenque resident.
What has been the government's response to the power crisis?
Government officials, including Díaz-Canel, have often blamed the U.S. embargo for the crisis while dismissing public protests.