Cuban content creator Sisi Aguilera shared a video on Facebook capturing the exhaustion felt by millions on the island due to power outages that stretch over 20 hours each day.
"Since yesterday, folks, we've been without electricity. This morning it came back on for just a moment before going out again. There's no time to cook, charge phones, or rest. The people are suffering, and I honestly feel we're reaching our limit," she expressed.
Her account encapsulates a harsh reality that the Cuban regime has been unable to conceal or address.
The Unprecedented Scale of the Energy Crisis
The power crisis reached unprecedented levels in May 2026. A record-breaking electrical deficit of 2,153 MW was recorded during peak hours on May 13.
Just a few days later, on May 16, the maximum outage soared to 2,041 MW at 9:10 PM, leaving 51% of the nation in the dark simultaneously.
Political Blame and Public Unrest
Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed the crisis on what he called the "genocidal energy blockade" by the United States, sidestepping the responsibility for 67 years of dictatorial governance that has driven Cuba's electrical infrastructure to the brink of collapse.
The growing desperation has led to protests. On May 12, a pot-banging protest erupted in Luyanó, Havana, and the next day, residents of Reparto Bahía took to the streets chanting "Down with the dictatorship!" Protests have been reported across all municipalities of the capital.
Sisi Aguilera's video reflects a dwindling public tolerance that mirrors the regime's depleting fuel reserves.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What has caused the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are largely attributed to the collapse of Cuba's electrical infrastructure due to decades of poor governance and lack of maintenance.
How are Cubans reacting to the power crisis?
Many Cubans are expressing their frustration through protests and social media, highlighting their growing discontent with the government's handling of the crisis.