A visibly distraught Cuban woman encapsulated in a brief 14-second video the hardships endured by millions on the island: no power, no water, and spoiled food. Her emotional testimony, shared on Facebook, has garnered over 80,000 views, becoming a poignant symbol of the frustration over an unprecedented electrical crisis.
"It's sad, truly sad what we're going through, using hot water, everything spoiled, you can't eat, you can't have water, nothing," the woman states in the clip, which has amassed more than 1,200 reactions and 139 comments.
Unprecedented Power Deficit
This video is not an isolated incident. On July 10, 2026, Cuba's power deficit reached a historic peak of 2,341 MW, with only 1,000 MW available to meet a demand of 3,100 MW, according to the Electric Union.
Throughout 2026, the National Electrical System has collapsed at least five times, three of which occurred within just eight days, leaving approximately 9.6 million residents without power for extended periods.
Impact on Daily Life
In Havana, power outages average between 15 and 24 hours daily. In Matanzas, one young woman documented 80 consecutive hours without electricity or water at her home.
The impact on food supplies is severe. The Food Monitor Program reports that 47.59% of Cuban households have lost refrigerated food due to blackouts, a figure that exceeds 80% in provinces like Granma, Matanzas, Pinar del Río, and Sancti Spíritus.
Struggling with Basic Necessities
Another Cuban, identified as Karla Arelis, displayed a box of spoiled chicken due to power cuts, while on July 2, a woman shared on TikTok images of decomposed rice, mango, yucca, and cherries in her refrigerator.
Power outages also disrupt water supply: 87% of water systems rely on electric pumps, leaving nearly 2.7 million Cubans without regular access to potable water.
Root Causes and Social Implications
The causes are deeply rooted: decades of neglect of the thermoelectric system, outdated machinery lacking maintenance, and a fuel shortage worsened by the halt of oil shipments from Venezuela after Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026, and from Mexico.
This crisis has also created a new social divide in Cuba: those who can afford generators or batteries have access to power, while the rest endure darkness and heat, with temperatures soaring above 100°F.
Frustration has sparked spontaneous protests. In Havana neighborhoods such as El Cerro, Luyanó, Regla, and Guanabo, there have been reports of pot-banging protests and confrontations with authorities. A Cuban woman confronted a MININT officer with a question that echoes the collective despair: "We want a quality of life, which is my right. My food's spoiled, who's going to pay for it?"
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The outages are primarily due to a combination of outdated machinery, poor maintenance, and a significant shortage of fuel, exacerbated by the cessation of oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico.
How are these power outages affecting Cuban households?
Households are experiencing loss of food due to spoilage, lack of water supply, and extended periods without electricity, forcing many to endure extreme heat conditions.
What social impacts are arising from the power crisis?
The crisis has led to a new social divide, where only those who can afford generators or batteries have reliable power, leading to increased frustration and protests among the population.