A Cuban identified as Sisi Aguilera reported in a video posted on Facebook that the illegal sale of electricity and water has become a widespread practice on the island, where, as she claims, those who can afford it receive basic services while the rest of the population survives amidst blackouts and shortages.
"They are selling electricity and they are selling water. And they are taking advantage of the misery of the Cuban people, just as the rest of the world takes advantage of all Cubans, both those inside the prison island and those outside as well," he states in the recording.
Aguilera argues that corruption has created a system of privilege in which access to essential services depends on money.
"Those with money can pay, they sleep with electricity. Those without it have to sweat. They can't have food in their refrigerator, they can't eat a decent meal," he laments.
The woman claims that in her area they receive barely an hour of electricity a day, while she knows places where the service is hardly ever interrupted.
"That's an illegality. That's theft. They are stealing from the population. In exchange for what? For three pesos," he denounces.
The Case of Calabazar
Aguilera's statements come just a few days after residents of Calabazar, in the Havana municipality of Boyeros, caught two linemen from the Electric Union allegedly selling electricity illegally.
According to a report from a resident identified as Isol G, the workers prioritized service for private businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises that had electricity 24 hours a day, while the homes in the neighborhood endured prolonged blackouts.
The neighbors claimed to have found the linemen with the service vehicle loaded with boxes of beer, cash, and, allegedly, under the influence of alcohol.
The same complainant also stated that in the Mantilla neighborhood, some workers from the electric system had reportedly offered to restore the service in exchange for 200 dollars.
"They insinuated that the people were in the dark because they wanted to be. Because with 200 USD, they could provide electricity," he stated.
Following the dissemination of the case, the Electric Union (UNE) confirmed the incident through a statement issued on July 18 and announced the initiation of an investigation, although it did not disclose what penalties the individuals involved would face.
Reports from various parts of the country
The comments posted on Aguilera's video show that the perception of corruption is not limited to Havana.
Users claim to have witnessed similar situations in areas such as Guanabo, Aguacate, Nalón, Naranjo, and El Trigal. Some even report the alleged illegal sale of electric transformers.
The accusations come amid one of the worst energy crises Cuba has experienced in decades. Prolonged blackouts, daily generation deficits, and repeated collapses of the National Electric System have exacerbated public discontent and increased reports of alleged privileges and corruption related to the distribution of service.
It is not the first time that workers in the electrical sector have been implicated in such events. In 2024, three linemen from UNE in Mariel were accused of diverting over 21 million pesos through the theft and illegal sale of resources; and in June 2025, seven employees of the Electric Company of Havana and 14 customers were convicted for fraud and bribery related to manipulating consumption.
For Aguilera, the problem goes beyond blackouts and reflects a growing inequality.
"Here there must be equality. As long as there is no equality or unity in this country, we will never emerge from this hole we are trapped in," he concludes in a message that has resonated with hundreds of Cubans who claim to be experiencing similar situations.
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