Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz lashed out on social media against the nighttime blackouts affecting Havana, ironically referring to himself as an "energy beggar."
“Blackouts in the early morning have become uncontrollable; I feel like I’m dressed up as an ‘energy beggar’,” he wrote on his Facebook profile this Wednesday, reflecting the growing discontent among citizens regarding the power outages that persist throughout the night and early morning.
Ortiz's comment makes a direct reference to the controversial statements made by the former Minister of Labor and Social Security, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, who this week denied the existence of homelessness in Cuba before Parliament and referred to some citizens as “disguised as beggars.” This phrase sparked a wave of national outrage and ultimately led to her resignation, which was accepted by the Political Bureau and the Council of State.
“They cut off our electricity at 10:00 p.m., and it was 2:30 a.m. and the blackout was still going on,” commented another user recently on social media. Complaints about the lack of electricity have multiplied in the capital in recent days, as the blackouts have become longer, more frequent, and unpredictable.
According to the official schedule published by the Empresa Eléctrica de La Habana, power outages now last up to eight hours a day and cover entire segments during the early morning. While authorities claim that the disruptions are due to the demands of the National Electric System (SEN), citizens report constant violations and a total loss of trust in institutional reports.
On Tuesday, Cuba recorded a record deficit of 2,020 MW during peak night hours, resulting in widespread blackouts across the country. The Electric Union (UNE) warned that another critical day is expected on Wednesday, with an impact of up to 1,850 MW during the night.
In other provinces such as Camagüey, Cienfuegos, or Villa Clara, residents report power outages that exceed 24 hours, while in Havana—historically less affected—blackouts have been increasing since the end of June, when the blackout schedules doubled and included early morning periods.
The deep energy crisis facing Cuba, characterized by the deterioration of the thermoelectric park, fuel shortages, and structural limitations of the system, has made blackouts a regular part of daily life.
Social discontent has also been reflected in citizen publications and comments on the official profile of the Electric Company of Havana, where Havanans have reported longer, more erratic, and repeated blackouts, as well as damage to their electrical appliances and the inability to lead a normal life.
With his criticism steeped in sarcasm, Otto Ortiz joins a long list of public figures, intellectuals, and citizens who have raised their voices against the increasingly precarious conditions on the island. His phrase, "energy beggar," encapsulates the sentiment of millions who, amid the heat, darkness, and social discontent, feel abandoned by a system unable to guarantee the most basic necessity: light.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Comments from Otto Ortiz
Why did Otto Ortiz refer to himself as an "energetic beggar"?
Otto Ortiz used the term "energy beggar" to sarcastically criticize the situation of blackouts in Cuba, reflecting the discomfort of citizens over the lack of electricity that extends throughout the night and early morning. His comment also referenced the controversial statements made by former minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera regarding poverty in the country.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to the lack of fuel, the deterioration of the thermoelectric plants, and the structural limitations of the National Electric System (SEN). Additionally, there is a lack of sustained investment in energy infrastructure and insufficient progress in the implementation of renewable energy sources such as solar energy.
How have Cubans reacted to the recurring blackouts?
Cubans have expressed their outrage and distrust towards the government, both on social media and in public comments. They criticize the lack of effective solutions and the perception that official reports do not reflect the true extent of the blackouts, affecting their daily quality of life.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has tried to promote solar energy as a solution to the energy crisis, but progress is insufficient given the magnitude of the deficit. Despite calls for energy efficiency, the infrastructure remains vulnerable to technical failures and resource shortages, with no clear short-term solution in sight.
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