A Cuban woman has painted a vivid picture of what a typical afternoon looks like on the island when the power goes out: the fan stops working, the heat makes it impossible to relax, and a routine of cooking with charcoal, swatting away mosquitoes, and hoping for rain to cool the air begins.
In a TikTok video, she expresses with a blend of irony and resignation the hardships that thousands of Cuban families face daily due to extended blackouts.
"Imagine you're at home after a long morning of work, ready to enjoy your afternoon off... you lie down on the bed just as you start to drift off to sleep, and suddenly, the fan shuts off," she narrates.
The loss of electricity sets off a series of challenges. Without power to run the fan and sometimes lacking gas for cooking, using charcoal becomes a go-to solution for preparing meals.
Evening Struggles in the Absence of Electricity
The situation doesn't improve as night falls. The woman describes the necessity of bathing before bed, leaving windows open to fight the heat, and waving a cloth to ward off mosquitoes while hoping for a downpour.
"There's not only a lack of electricity but also connectivity," she adds, highlighting the difficulties in communication during power cuts.
Her story mirrors the experiences of many families who, faced with no electricity and high temperatures, have resorted to sleeping on rooftops, in parks, or even along the Malecón to find some relief at night.
The Broader Impact of Power Outages on Communication and Daily Life
Power outages also disrupt communications. ETECSA has acknowledged that up to 47.5% of their mobile radio stations can become inoperative during prolonged blackouts, severely restricting access to phone calls and the Internet.
Cuba's energy crisis has worsened in 2026, with widespread electricity outages affecting various provinces. In August, CNN en Español reported on the hardships island residents face in performing everyday activities like cooking, resting, and preserving food due to the lack of power.
The absence of electricity not only disrupts rest and household tasks but also exacerbates the difficulties of enduring the tropical heat without fans or other means to cool homes.
The Cuban woman concludes her account with a statement that encapsulates the weariness inflicted by this reality: "It's as difficult as it sounds, like a bad joke or a horror movie, but this is the daily life of millions of Cubans, and yes, it's today, in 2026."
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What are the main challenges faced by Cubans during power outages?
Cubans face numerous challenges during power outages, including the inability to use fans to combat the heat, difficulties in cooking due to the lack of gas, and disrupted communication systems. These outages significantly affect their daily activities and quality of life.
How do power outages impact communication in Cuba?
Power outages severely impact communication in Cuba as up to 47.5% of mobile radio stations can become inoperative. This limits access to phone calls and the Internet, further isolating individuals during blackouts.