A Cuban woman living in Spain, known as Linet, has captured the attention of social media with a Facebook video that has garnered over 38,000 views. Using humor tinged with frustration, she discusses the relentless financial burden placed on Cuban emigrants striving to support their families on the island amid an ongoing power crisis.
Linet outlines a scenario familiar to countless Cubans abroad: it started with purchasing a power generator with her uncle for approximately $500 when power outages became unbearable.
This solution was short-lived, lasting merely a few months. The lack of gasoline rendered the generator useless.
"The money you send, if they use it for the generator, they won't have enough to eat," she explains, highlighting the impossible choices Cuban families must face.
Seeking New Solutions
The next attempt to alleviate the situation was rechargeable fans. "Let's see how long they last because if you use them daily, not even the best ones will hold up," she notes.
Now, the focus has shifted to an EcoFlow, a portable battery that costs between $549 and over $1,150, depending on the model.
"Send $500, $600, $800, $1,000—whatever it takes for an EcoFlow," Linet says, adding with a touch of sarcasm that this, too, won't be a permanent fix.
"I'm already preparing for what's next after the EcoFlow. (...) The EcoFlow in Cuba won't work, they'll come up with something to make it obsolete, and you'll have to send more money for something else," she warns.
The Emotional Toll
Linet doesn't hide the emotional strain of this cycle. "It's not easy, it's a constant stress," she admits, acknowledging that sometimes it's better to stay silent to avoid saying something regrettable.
"I don't know how long this will last," she concludes.
The video sheds light on a well-documented crisis: Cuba is experiencing its worst energy crisis in recent history, with power outages impacting up to 68% of the territory simultaneously, and blackouts lasting over 32 hours daily in Havana. In certain provinces, households endure two consecutive days without electricity.
Systemic Failures and Diaspora Support
By April, the island's power generation deficit reached 1,871 MW, with nine out of 16 thermoelectric units out of service due to malfunctions or fuel shortages.
The regime admitted at the end of 2025 that blackouts would persist throughout this year, offering only a promise of a "slight improvement" that has yet to be seen.
As the state fails to provide solutions, the diaspora has unofficially taken on the role of private energy supplier.
EcoFlows have become the most sought-after items for emigrants to purchase for their families, as highlighted by another young woman who sent one to her mother in Cuba, creating a buzz on social media.
The financial and emotional pressure on emigrants continues to mount.
Some have even severed communication with family members overwhelmed by constant requests for help, while independent studies suggest it would take between $8 billion and $10 billion to rehabilitate Cuba's electrical system.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to outdated infrastructure, fuel shortages, and the failure of thermoelectric units, which have led to widespread power outages.
How are Cuban emigrants supporting their families during the crisis?
Cuban emigrants are sending money to purchase generators, rechargeable fans, and portable batteries like the EcoFlow to help their families cope with power shortages.
What is the projected cost to rehabilitate Cuba's electrical system?
Independent estimates suggest that rehabilitating Cuba's electrical system would require between $8 billion and $10 billion.