Roberto Morales Ojeda, the Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), acknowledged on Tuesday that there have been reports of improper conduct by officials and workers in the electrical system. He conceded that these incidents are tarnishing the image of a critical sector during Cuba's severe energy crisis.
His remarks came during Miguel Díaz-Canel's visit to the Municipal Defense Councils in San Miguel del Padrón and Diez de Octubre, Havana. The visit aimed to assess local responses to ongoing issues with electricity, water, and waste management.
Spotlight on Misconduct in the Energy Sector
"There are several reports concerning inappropriate actions by officials and workers across these areas. Despite the significant efforts by the vast majority, a handful of individuals are overshadowing the dedication of those truly giving their all," Morales Ojeda stated, as reported by Canal Caribe.
While he emphasized these are isolated cases, his comments follow several alleged corruption incidents that have fueled public discontent.
Recently, residents of Calabazar in Havana's Boyeros municipality accused two linemen from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) of illegally selling electricity amid prolonged blackouts. UNE confirmed the incident, labeling it as a "singular act of corruption."
Recurring Corruption Concerns
However, past events raise skepticism about the uniqueness of such incidents. In June 2025, seven employees of Havana's Electric Company and fourteen clients were convicted for fraud and bribery related to electric consumption manipulation.
Additionally, recent complaints from Mantilla residents claim that electric system workers offered to restore power in exchange for $200.
In 2024, three UNE linemen in Mariel were accused of diverting over 21 million pesos through illegal resource commercialization.
Strengthening Community Communication
During his tour, Díaz-Canel stressed the importance of direct communication with citizens due to frequent ETECSA radio base outages, which leave many Cubans without mobile, internet, and social media access.
"We can't always rely on television, radio, or even social networks for information because ETECSA's radio bases fail, leaving people without cellular communication or data," he stated.
The leader urged strengthening "house-to-house" and "block-to-block" community communication to explain government decisions and their rationale.
Local Discontent and Protests
Local authorities reported on initiatives with various state organizations to tackle pressing issues: power outages, water shortages, and waste accumulation.
San Miguel del Padrón and Diez de Octubre have witnessed protests in recent months. In May 2026, San Miguel residents demonstrated outside the municipal government, demanding "Electricity and food!" Meanwhile, Diez de Octubre saw cacerolazos in neighborhoods like Lawton, Luyanó, and Santo Suárez.
Díaz-Canel's visit is part of a tour he began on June 30 across Havana's 15 municipalities. In just over three weeks, he has visited eleven areas of the capital amidst the worst basic services crisis in decades, with growing public dissatisfaction over severe blackouts and deteriorating living conditions.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Sector Crisis
What are the recent allegations against the Cuban electrical sector?
Recent allegations involve improper conduct by officials and workers in the electrical system, including illegal electricity sales and corruption.
How has the government responded to these allegations?
The government has acknowledged the issues and emphasized direct communication with the public to address concerns and explain decisions.
What impact have these allegations had on Cuban society?
These corruption allegations have increased public discontent, leading to protests and heightened scrutiny of the electrical sector.