Cuban baritone Ulises Aquino Guerra took to Facebook this Thursday to voice a strong critique regarding the uneven distribution of electricity in the Kholy district of Havana. He reported that the circuit where he resides and works only received a meager 55 minutes of power over a span of six consecutive days.
In his post, provocatively titled "The 'Socialist' Distribution of Electricity," the founder of the Opera de la Calle company highlighted the dire situation, noting that on Thursday they received just four and a half minutes of electrical service.
What infuriates the artist the most is not merely the lack of electricity, but rather the inequality: while his circuit accumulates mere minutes of light, other areas within the same municipality enjoy two or more hours of power daily.
"Fifty-five minutes of electricity over six days is hardly a socialist distribution," Aquino remarked, sarcastically questioning the regime's rhetoric on social justice.
He further speculated about potential political reasons behind the silence in Kholy, a district in the Playa municipality known for housing officials and government leaders: "Sometimes I think that since high-ranking officers and dedicated government comrades live in this neighborhood, they can't protest or bang pots."
However, he clarified that the area is also home to humble families, residents of tenements, and occupants of public housing, all of whom are entitled to electricity.
With his characteristic biting tone, he warned, "There are also people like me who don’t bang pots, but I play other musical instruments and can get on the nerves of those who fail to distribute the scant electricity fairly, which we all have a right to."
Aquino emphasized that his message was not a formal complaint: "It’s an initial call for attention, because I know people are suffering much more."
This statement comes amid the worst phase of Cuba's energy crisis in 2026, with the National Electric System reporting on Thursday a meager available generation of just 990 MW against a demand of 2,830 MW, leaving a shortfall of 1,813 MW and a maximum expected impact of 2,090 MW.
So far this year, the country has experienced seven total system collapses, the latest occurring on August 3, and a historical deficit of 2,341 MW noted on July 9. The Electric Union warned in August that the situation could worsen between September and December due to overlapping maintenance and breakdowns at several thermoelectric plants.
The unequal distribution of blackouts in Havana has been a continuous source of frustration. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz ordered a review of circuit rotation in May to ensure more equitable distribution of power cuts. Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, defended the capital's different treatment due to technical reasons related to the DAF circuits.
This is not the first time Aquino has raised his voice, holding the government accountable for the energy crisis. In July, he addressed an open letter to Minister De la O Levy, demanding his resignation and that of the entire government due to the electrical collapse.
"If there was no energy security, no guarantees, why were so many hotels built? Hotels that would connect to the same grid and the same National Electric System as the Cuban people," he questioned at the time.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis
What is the current state of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba is experiencing severe energy shortages, with the National Electric System struggling to meet demand, resulting in frequent power outages and a significant deficit in electricity supply.
How has the government responded to the electricity distribution issues?
The government has attempted to address the issue by ordering a review of circuit rotations to ensure more equitable distribution of power cuts, although technical justifications have been given for the disparities.
What are the implications of the energy crisis for Cuban citizens?
The energy crisis has led to frustration and inequality among Cuban citizens, with some areas receiving limited electricity while others experience more consistent power supply, impacting daily life and economic activities.