A Cuban mother, recognized on TikTok as @gelylaflaki, released a nearly two-minute video last Wednesday expressing her deep frustration over the prolonged power outages affecting her family. These blackouts can last for 18 hours or more each day, exacerbated by the sweltering heat.
"I'm fed up with the abuse because those people don't feel the heat," she asserts in the video, referring to the regime officials who impose these cuts without experiencing them firsthand.
She highlights the severity of the situation, stating, "They're cutting off our electricity for 18 hours and even longer," and describes the blackout patterns, which extend from 10 PM to 3 PM the next day, or from 1 PM to 8 AM the following morning.
At the time of recording, her home had been without power since 4 AM, and by then, it was close to 4 PM. She anticipated the electricity wouldn't return until 10 PM.
Although she owns a portable power station—an EcoFlow—and a rechargeable fan, the outages are so extensive that she doesn't have enough time to recharge them. "In the short time they give us power, I can't recharge it," she laments.
Compounding Crises: Electricity and Gas Shortages
The electrical crisis is exacerbated by a gas shortage. "I buy a small gas cylinder, and it costs me 30,000 Cuban pesos because I can't cook with electricity," she explains, addressing criticisms she faces online: "People tell me to get a job, but no, my life isn't like that. If I work for someone here, I can't afford the gas cylinder."
She also mentions that one of her daughters was suffering from vomiting at the time of the recording, adding to her stress: "I have a sick child with vomiting, and all this is driving me crazy."
Unprecedented Energy Crisis in Cuba
This testimony comes amid the worst energy crisis Cuba has faced in recent years. On May 13, the country recorded a record deficit of 2,153 MW. The next day, the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant collapsed for the ninth time in 2026, leaving the eastern provinces functioning as isolated microsystems.
Vicente de la O Levy, Minister of Energy and Mines, openly admitted that Cuba was "without absolutely any fuel, no diesel, only associated gas," describing the situation as "acute, critical, and extremely tense."
Matanzas is one of the hardest-hit provinces, experiencing blackouts of up to 20 hours daily in some municipalities. The town of Cantel, in Cárdenas, was without electricity for more than seven days as of May 11, following a transformer explosion with no response from authorities.
A Persisting Struggle and Fading Hope
This isn't the first time @gelylaflaki has recorded the impact of power outages on her family. In February 2026, she discussed her reasons for either emigrating or staying, concluding with a sentiment shared by many Cubans: "I still foolishly hope that things will get better someday."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are largely due to a severe energy crisis, marked by a lack of fuel and diesel, and compounded by the frequent collapse of key infrastructure like the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant.
How are Cuban families coping with the prolonged blackouts?
Many families are struggling to cope, relying on portable power stations and rechargeable devices when possible. However, the lengthy outages often prevent these from being recharged effectively.
What other challenges are Cubans facing alongside the electrical crisis?
In addition to the electrical issues, there is a significant gas shortage, forcing many to pay high prices for small gas cylinders to cook. These combined pressures are contributing to widespread frustration and hardship.