The Electric Union (UNE) issued an official statement on Facebook this Friday acknowledging the incident that occurred on Thursday night in Calabazar, Boyeros municipality of Havana, where two of its linemen were caught by residents selling the neighborhood's electricity supply illegally for money.
According to reports from neighbors, the workers were found in a state of intoxication, with bundles of cash and boxes of beer inside their service vehicle, while prioritizing electricity supply to small and medium-sized enterprises and private businesses, leaving the residential neighborhood with barely an hour of power each day. The locals detained them until the authorities arrived to arrest them.
In its statement, the state-owned company affirmed: "We reiterate that such actions do not align with the conduct, ethics, and values that characterize our workers, who day by day strive to deliver electric service to every Cuban home."
Regarding the consequences for those involved, the UNE was brief but direct: "The authorities are already monitoring the case, and appropriate measures will be taken in accordance with the law and established procedures."
The company also expressed that it "deeply regrets that reprehensible actions like this tarnish the work of the vast majority of our community" and declared its solidarity with those affected.
The incident was documented and reported on Facebook by a resident of the neighborhood, identified as Isol G, who described the situation with a phrase that went viral: "they only serve those who pay". Her complaint triggered a community response that led to the detention of the linemen. Meanwhile, other residents of Calabazar gathered in front of the municipal government office to demand answers regarding the prolonged blackouts, with security forces present at the site.
The UNE's statement sparked a flood of reactions on social media, and most users rejected the notion that the case is exceptional. "Similar incidents will happen again. This doesn't only happen in Calabazar. Save the statement so you won't have to write it again; just changing the name of the place will be enough," wrote one user. Another was more emphatic: "It's not just two. Those were the ones discovered... but there are many more... and from higher up. So, start investigating."
Various comments pointed out that corruption within the electric system is a widespread phenomenon across the island. "Really? That stretches from Cape San Antonio to Maisí Point, stop joking," wrote one user. Another person noted, "This happens all over Cuba; they prioritize business areas." A third comment summed up the general sentiment: "Don't worry, here in Cuba, corruption doesn't start with those at the bottom; it ends with those at the bottom."
Internet users also mentioned similar cases in Cojímar, Villa Clara, Cárdenas, San Antonio, and Gibara in Holguín, which reinforces the perception that the problem extends beyond Calabazar. "Dear UNE, please be aware that nowadays, in this decaying country of ours, to receive quality service from your workers, one has to pay for them to do it promptly [...] But this is not an isolated incident; it happens all over the country. Don’t try to cover the sun with a finger," wrote another user.
The episode is set against the backdrop of the worst electrical crisis in recent Cuban history: in the course of 2026, the National Electro-Energetic System has collapsed at least five times, outages in Havana average between 20 and 24 hours daily, and the generation deficit has repeatedly exceeded 2,100 MW in recent weeks, leaving 70% of the country without electricity simultaneously. In May 2026, the Cuban Conflict Observatory recorded 1,311 protests, the highest number since July 11, 2021.
Similar cases of illegal electricity sales by UNE employees have been documented in Mantilla — where electricity was offered for 200 dollars — as well as in Guantánamo and Sancti Spíritus, where unauthorized private businesses connected to prioritized circuits have proliferated.
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