An image capturing Havana shrouded in near-total darkness at dusk, taken from a high vantage point near the iconic Malecón, has rapidly gained attention after being shared on social media. The photo, posted by Juan Pablo Carreira—known online as "Juan Doe" and a communications officer for Argentine politician Javier Milei—shows a stark contrast between illuminated luxury hotels and the dimly lit surroundings.
In his post, Carreira remarked, "Cuba is completely dark. Only government buildings and luxury hotels run by the Castro family have power. People talk about late-stage capitalism. Here, ladies and gentlemen, is late-stage communism."
The image reveals colonial and art deco buildings with worn facades, set against a backdrop of the sea, with scant artificial lighting visible across the city. This stark contrast underscores the severe energy crisis gripping the island.
The Depth of Cuba's Energy Crisis
This social media post surfaced during one of Cuba's most severe energy crises in 2026. On May 14, the Electric Union reported a shortfall of 2,113 MW, with only 1,230 MW available to meet a demand of 3,250 MW. This situation worsened when the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant went offline due to a boiler leak.
Just two days later, on May 16, the power deficit peaked at 2,041 MW, leaving 51% of the country without electricity simultaneously. In Songo-La Maya, Santiago de Cuba, residents endured over 50 consecutive hours without power.
Government Acknowledgment and Justification
Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged that some circuits in Havana experienced blackouts lasting 20 to 22 hours daily and described the situation as "exceptional."
The discrepancy between the widespread darkness affecting the populace and the uninterrupted power supply to tourist hotels is well-documented and officially acknowledged by the regime. In January 2026, Havana was plunged into darkness for over six hours while tourist accommodations remained lit. Similar instances occurred in February, where hotels enjoyed power and hosted special dinners amidst widespread outages.
In February 2026, the Cuban Tourism Office in London officially justified the energy disparity, explaining that hotels have "independent power systems and backup generators," with fuel supplies "secured" to ensure normal tourism operations.
Underlying Structural Challenges
The roots of this crisis are deeply structural. Since December 2025, Cuba has ceased receiving Venezuelan oil, a fact publicly acknowledged by Díaz-Canel in a televised address. In the past 18 months, the country has experienced at least seven total system collapses, including a nationwide blackout on March 16, 2026.
Cuban-American researcher Jorge Piñón has warned that rebuilding the electrical system would require three to five years and an investment of $8 to $10 billion—a sum unattainable for a collapsing economy after 67 years of communist rule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Energy Challenges
Why is Havana experiencing severe power outages?
Havana is facing severe power outages due to a significant energy crisis, exacerbated by a lack of available electricity to meet demand and the failure of key power plants.
How does the Cuban government justify the power disparity between luxury hotels and the rest of the city?
The Cuban government argues that luxury hotels have autonomous power systems and backup generators, ensuring uninterrupted service for tourism operations, while the general population faces power cuts.
What are the long-term solutions proposed for Cuba's energy crisis?
Long-term solutions include overhauling the electrical system, which would necessitate significant investment and time, estimated at $8 to $10 billion and three to five years, respectively.