The Cuban comedian and actor Ulises Toirac issued a stark warning on Thursday regarding Cuba's ongoing electrical crisis, asserting that it will remain unresolved as long as the current economic model persists. He encapsulated his viewpoint with a pointed remark: "You could install seven new power plants next week, have oil flowing through pipelines... In 15 years, the blackouts will still be here."
This comment, shared on his Facebook profile, was a response to discussions sparked by Miami Herald reports about an alleged secret deal between the Trump administration and the Cuban regime. The agreement purportedly involved the U.S. offering oil in exchange for the privatization of CUPET—the state-run fuel company—and the removal of Miguel Díaz-Canel from power.
While Toirac neither confirmed nor endorsed the deal, he highlighted that the privatization proposal for CUPET might be causing sleepless nights for some on the island. He was candid in pinpointing the core issue: the owner of the National Electric System (SEN)—"our valiant people," he remarked with irony—cannot afford to pay market prices for fuel because electricity is sold at subsidized rates in pesos to the residential sector and much of the state sector.
"The problem is quite 'simple': How does the owner of the power plants acquire the fuel needed for their operation? Because, bear in mind, this operation that supplies electricity charges for its service... at prices that are still subsidized," he explained.
The Challenges of Privatization
The actor also dismissed the idea of the SEN being transferred to private ownership: "The electricity of a country is for the country. It's too strategic to leave it at the mercy of others," he argued, citing the example of Canada, which holds several U.S. states in an energy-dependent position.
His complete post garnered over 1,218 reactions and 230 comments, with replies ranging from agreement to dark humor. One user, Tony Ex-Flaco, quipped: "They might just privatize it into the claws of some crustacean..."
A Recurring Diagnosis
Toirac's assessment isn't new but is increasingly assertive. In July, he attributed the energy collapse to "six decades of poor economic decisions," referencing the closure of sugar mills, the failed Juraguá nuclear plant, the use of heavy domestic crude oil, and neglected maintenance.
Days later, he expressed a loss of hope, saying he no longer sees "the light at the end of the tunnel" because "there is no tunnel."
At the start of September, he called the blackouts a "crime" due to their human impact, noting that his district in Havana had gone days without electricity, with restorations lasting less than twenty minutes. On August 30, he likened them to "torture" due to the psychological harm they inflict.
Current State of the Electrical System
The backdrop to his comments is a state of ongoing collapse. On Thursday, the SEN operated with a mere 1,220 MW available against a projected demand of 3,350 MW, a shortfall of over 2,100 MW.
Earlier this month, nine out of the 16 thermoelectric units were out of service, and outages simultaneously impacted 64% of the island. So far in 2026, Cuba has endured at least six total blackouts of the national electrical system.
Toirac concluded his post with a biblical phrase that encapsulates his skepticism toward any announced solutions: "Although, as the Bible says: 'they will be seen...'"
FAQs on Cuba's Ongoing Electrical Crisis
What is Ulises Toirac's perspective on Cuba's electrical crisis?
Ulises Toirac believes that Cuba's electrical crisis will persist as long as the current economic model remains unchanged. He suggests that even significant investments, like adding new power plants, won't solve the issue if underlying economic policies don't change.
What caused the energy collapse in Cuba, according to Toirac?
Toirac attributes the energy collapse to decades of poor economic decisions, including the closure of sugar mills, the failed nuclear plant project at Juraguá, reliance on heavy domestic crude oil, and lack of maintenance.
Why does Toirac oppose the privatization of the National Electric System?
Toirac argues that the electricity of a country is too strategic to be controlled by private entities. He believes it should remain under national ownership to avoid dependency and strategic vulnerabilities.
How has the electrical crisis affected Cuban citizens?
The electrical crisis has had severe impacts on Cubans, with frequent blackouts causing disruptions in daily life. Toirac has highlighted the psychological toll, describing the outages as a form of "torture" due to their unpredictability and the stress they cause.