Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz has taken to social media to voice his frustration over the nighttime power outages plaguing Havana, sarcastically dubbing himself an "energy beggar." "These late-night blackouts are out of control; I feel like I'm dressed as an 'energy beggar,'" Ortiz posted on his Facebook profile this Wednesday, capturing the growing discontent among citizens facing prolonged power cuts during the night and early morning hours.
Ortiz's comments directly reference the controversial remarks made by former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, who earlier this week denied any homelessness in Cuba, labeling some citizens as "disguised beggars." Her statement sparked national outrage, culminating in her resignation, which was accepted by both the Political Bureau and the Council of State.
"They cut off our power at 10:00 p.m., and by 2:30 a.m., the blackout was still going on," another user recently complained on social media. Complaints about the lack of electricity have surged in the capital as blackouts become longer, more frequent, and increasingly unpredictable.
According to the official schedule released by the Empresa Eléctrica de La Habana, power outages now extend up to eight hours a day, covering entire sections during the early morning. While authorities claim these disruptions are due to the demands on the National Electric System (SEN), citizens report ongoing failures and a complete loss of trust in institutional reports.
This past Tuesday, Cuba recorded a record deficit of 2,020 MW during peak nighttime hours, resulting in widespread blackouts across the country. The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) warned of another critical day on Wednesday, projecting an impact of up to 1,850 MW during the evening.
In other provinces like Camagüey, Cienfuegos, or Villa Clara, residents report outages exceeding 24 hours, while Havana—historically less affected—has seen an increase in power cuts since late June, when blackout schedules doubled and included early morning slots.
The severe energy crisis engulfing Cuba, characterized by the deterioration of the thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and systemic limitations, has made blackouts a routine part of daily life. Social unrest is also visible in citizen posts and comments on the official profile of the Empresa Eléctrica de La Habana, where Havanans have reported longer, disorganized, and recurring outages, as well as damage to their electrical appliances and the impossibility of leading normal lives.
With his sarcasm-laden critique, Otto Ortiz joins a long list of public figures, intellectuals, and citizens who have raised their voices against the increasingly dire conditions on the island. His phrase, "energy beggar," encapsulates the sentiment of millions who, amidst the heat, darkness, and social dissatisfaction, feel abandoned by a system unable to provide the most basic necessity: light.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the reasons behind the frequent blackouts in Cuba?
The frequent blackouts in Cuba are primarily due to the deterioration of the thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and systemic limitations within the National Electric System (SEN).
How has public reaction been to the blackouts?
Public reaction has been one of frustration and anger, with many citizens expressing their discontent on social media and experiencing a loss of trust in institutional reports about the outages.
What impact have the blackouts had on daily life in Havana?
The blackouts have severely disrupted daily life in Havana, causing damage to electrical appliances, making it difficult for residents to go about their normal routines, and contributing to overall social unrest.