A neighbor from the El Palenque neighborhood in San Antonio de los Baños published a video on Facebook addressed to local authorities demanding explanations for the consecutive nights without electricity in her area.
"To the competent authorities of this town of San Antonio de los Baños, please. Is there anyone who can explain why there has been no electricity in the Palenque for the past two nights? We have children in wheelchairs, the sick, and women dying from respiratory issues. A package of ten pounds of chicken spoiled for my great-grandchildren," the woman stated in the 30-second clip.
The message accumulated over 4,400 reactions on the social network, reflecting the level of identification of thousands of Cubans with that demand.
The most severe energy crisis in Cuba's history
What El Palenque is experiencing reflects the daily face of an unprecedented electrical collapse. On July 10, 2026, the National Electric System recorded its largest historical deficit: 2,341 MW, with only 935 MW available against a demand of 3,100 MW, which led to the fourth total blackout of the year.
Among the causes of the blackouts are the obsolescence of thermal power plants and the chronic fuel shortage, exacerbated by the reduction in Venezuelan supply following Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026.
While the population suffers the consequences, the leaders' response has followed a repeated pattern. On July 4, Díaz-Canel responded to the protests with the phrase “ring the pot for the neighbors to the north”, attributing the crisis to the U.S. embargo.
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