A Cuban content creator recently shed light on a harsh truth that thousands of Havana residents endure in silence: daily blackouts lasting more than 10 to 12 hours. These power outages not only disrupt everyday life but make it nearly impossible to work, sleep, or maintain any semblance of a routine.
Visibly exhausted, the YouTuber from the channel Vámonos con Juanka shared his ordeal, describing how the prolonged absence of electricity has pushed him to his limits. "I only get power once a day," he explained, detailing how the lack of electricity prevents him from charging his equipment, connecting to the Internet, or editing videos, which are his main source of income.
His account transcends a mere complaint. Juanka details the physical and mental toll taken after a week of sleepless nights, with blackouts occurring mainly in the early hours, forcing him to live his life in reverse.
"I wake up with headaches," he admits, noting that focusing on the computer or phone has become "a real struggle," even when he manages to get some power.
In a desperate bid to continue his work, the YouTuber made a decision increasingly considered by many Cubans: leaving his home. He temporarily relocated to a place where the electrical situation was supposedly better.
However, reality soon caught up with him. "It's even worse here now," he laments, questioning aloud where in Cuba one might find a reliable place to work with stable electricity.
His message resonates with many who feel the absence of any safe haven from the blackouts. "There's no place left where the electricity doesn't go out," he summarizes, urging his followers to share if they are experiencing the same issues.
Juanka's story coincides with a particularly critical moment for the national electro-energy system. According to official data from the Electric Union, blackouts persisted throughout Monday, with power cuts affecting nearly 2,000 megawatts during peak hours.
In Havana, the Electric Company acknowledged power outages lasting nearly 20 hours in a single day, a figure that underscores the exhaustion described by the content creator.
Beyond the statistics, his testimony reveals a less visible impact of the energy collapse: the impossibility of sustaining jobs related to technology, digital content, and online services—sectors many young Cubans see as an economic lifeline within the island.
While the regime issues technical statements and recovery promises, stories like Juanka's highlight the human cost of a crisis with no clear end in sight. It's not just about darkened homes; it's about suspended lives, thwarted projects, and a growing question among Cubans: how to move forward when even electricity isn't guaranteed?
Understanding the Impact of Havana's Extended Blackouts
How do blackouts in Havana affect daily life?
The extended blackouts severely disrupt daily routines, making it difficult to work, sleep, and maintain a normal life. They particularly impact those reliant on electricity for their livelihoods, such as digital content creators.
What sectors are most affected by the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis significantly affects sectors dependent on technology and digital connectivity, including online services and content creation, which many young Cubans depend on as a means of economic survival.
What is the Cuban government's response to the blackouts?
The Cuban government has issued technical statements and promises of recovery, but many citizens remain skeptical due to the ongoing nature of the crisis and the lack of tangible improvements.