Power Outage Plagues Mariana de la Torre in Santiago de Cuba for Two Days

Residents of streets 2, 4, and 11 in the Mariana de la Torre district of Santiago de Cuba have reported enduring a 48-hour power outage due to a transformer cable malfunction. The issue was highlighted by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.

According to information gathered by Mayeta Labrada, the cable connected to the transformer snapped, leaving several homes without electricity for two days. The local Electric Company attributed the delay in repairs to a lack of necessary cable, an explanation that frustrated residents dismiss after waiting in vain.

Compounding the issue, locals alleged that there were hints of monetary incentives to expedite the repairs. Mayeta Labrada noted that these claims remain unverified, urging the state-run company to publicly clarify the situation.

Community Struggles Amid Power Outages

“Meanwhile, there are families behind those windows who have been waiting two days for such a basic service as fixing a power outage,” wrote the journalist, questioning potential pressures to suppress certain complaints.

The predicament in Mariana de la Torre is not an isolated event. On the same Sunday, residents of the 18-story buildings in Garzón—known as Centro Urbano Sierra Maestra on Victoriano Garzón Avenue—reported nearly 40 hours without electricity. The lack of power halts elevators and water pumps, forcing the elderly, sick, and children to climb up to 18 flights of stairs and fetch water from the street.

A resident on the 10th floor described the grim reality: “Here, elderly, sick, and children cannot sleep at night. Everything in these buildings is more complicated. It breaks your heart to see how seniors and kids have to climb all those stairs.”

Transformer Failures: A Recurring Issue

The recurring transformer failures that leave entire communities without power have been a persistent issue in Santiago de Cuba. In July, residents of Veguita de Galo experienced 26 consecutive days without electricity due to a transformer breakdown; the replacement provided by the company exploded within two hours of operation. That same month, a 12-story building in Santa Clara went over 112 hours without electricity or water due to similar electrical pump issues.

A Looming Energy Crisis

These local outages are part of a broader systemic shortfall in the National Electric System (SEN), which reached critical levels in 2026. As of Sunday, SEN's available capacity was a mere 1,010 MW against a projected demand of 3,250 MW, with a maximum deficit forecast at 2,125 MW. Cuba has experienced seven total system collapses so far this year.

The energy crisis in Santiago de Cuba has progressively worsened throughout 2026. Since June 15, the local Electric Company reorganized blackouts into nine residential blocks, allowing each area only one or two hours of electricity daily. Three days later, the company admitted it couldn't even ensure that minimal supply.

In conclusion, Mayeta Labrada directly called out the responsible authority: “Come on, Santiago de Cuba Electric Company: fewer excuses, more solutions. Fix it now.”