Mexico City- It’s not every day that a celebrity’s home life becomes a stark reflection of larger societal issues. But for Niurka Marcos, a Cuban-born actress, singer, and entertainer living in Mexico, a recent 48-hour power outage turned her frustration into a viral moment—highlighting not just her personal discomfort, but deeper concerns about infrastructure and service in the country.
In a video shared on her social media channels, Niurka expressed her exasperation over losing power in her home for two days, comparing the situation to the frequent blackouts she grew up with in Cuba. The video, now making the rounds across social media, offers a candid glimpse into her daily struggles and her disappointment with Mexico’s electric service.
When Power Outages Hit Close to Home: A Relatable Frustration
Power outages are a common occurrence in many parts of the world, but they hit differently when you’re stuck without light, air conditioning, or refrigeration for over 48 hours. Niurka Marcos, known for her fiery personality, did what many of us do in times of frustration—she vented. And, in classic Niurka style, she didn’t hold back.
In her video, shot with only the dim light of flashlights illuminating her home, she starts off by saying:
“I haven’t had electricity for two days. We reported it to the electricity commission, and still, nobody has come. This service is absolutely terrible.”
Niurka’s anger, however, was not just about inconvenience. It was personal. For her, the prolonged blackout evoked memories of growing up in Cuba, where power outages are a way of life. As she walks around her darkened home, she takes viewers on a tour of the challenges she’s facing—limited light, sweltering heat, and spoiled food.
A Deeper Look: Food Spoilage and Nine Hungry Dogs
While a power outage may mean nothing more than a short inconvenience for some, for Niurka, it posed a more serious problem—food spoilage.
“I have nine little angels here to feed. The fridge is full of meat for them and for us, but it’s all going bad because there’s no refrigeration,” she shared in the video.
Beyond the personal discomfort, this detail paints a clear picture of the wider impact that a prolonged blackout can have. Whether it’s losing hundreds of pesos’ worth of groceries or worrying about the well-being of pets and family, the situation is more than just a loss of power—it’s a threat to daily life.
Her frustration grew when she reflected on the lack of response from the electricity company:
“They don’t care. They don’t understand the urgency. Any excuse is good enough to not address the issue.”
Niurka’s blunt take on the situation isn’t just an isolated rant—it’s a sentiment that many in Mexico, and around the world, can relate to when faced with bureaucratic delays in essential services. Her appeal for accountability strikes a chord, especially when considering the larger infrastructural issues that leave many residents vulnerable during power outages.
A Call for Solar Energy: Finding a Sustainable Solution
One interesting point Niurka raised in her video was her growing interest in solar panels as a way to mitigate future disruptions. She mentioned that this experience had pushed her to consider installing solar energy systems for her home.
“I’m seriously thinking about putting solar panels up because this is ridiculous. It can’t happen again.”
Niurka’s off-the-cuff remark speaks to a growing trend among homeowners looking for reliable and sustainable alternatives to traditional power grids. With frequent outages affecting both Mexico and other parts of the world, renewable energy solutions like solar power are gaining popularity—not just for environmental reasons but for practical ones.
In fact, interest in home solar panel installation in Mexico has been on the rise, with a 30% increase in residential solar installations over the last two years. And Niurka’s experience only emphasizes why more people are turning to alternative energy solutions: the need for control, reliability, and independence from aging infrastructure.
Contextualizing the Outage: Mexico’s Battle with Hurricane John
It’s worth noting that Niurka’s outage coincided with Mexico’s preparation for the aftermath of Hurricane John. The storm caused significant damage to parts of the country, disrupting services and creating challenges for utility companies working to restore electricity.
While Niurka acknowledged the national emergency, she still emphasized the need for a better response from service providers, noting that her region had not been directly hit by the hurricane.
“They can’t use the hurricane as an excuse here. We haven’t been impacted by it, so why is it taking so long?”
Her frustration highlights a larger issue often seen during natural disasters: the prioritization of service restoration in urban or high-impact areas, which can leave others waiting longer for basic services like electricity.
Comparing Mexico to Cuba: A Personal Reflection
One of the more poignant moments in Niurka’s video was when she compared the current situation to what she experienced growing up in Cuba. As a Cuban native, she is all too familiar with frequent blackouts—something that continues to plague the island today due to its fragile power grid and economic challenges.
“This is like living in Cuba again. No power for days, and no one cares,” she stated, visibly exasperated.
Her comparison, though dramatic, reveals the emotional toll that such disruptions can take—especially for someone who has lived through systemic blackouts. For Niurka, this wasn’t just about temporary discomfort; it was a reminder of the ongoing struggles she had hoped to leave behind.
A Lesson for Utility Providers: Customer Service and Accountability
Niurka Marcos’s frustration isn’t just a celebrity outburst—it reflects a universal truth that utility companies around the world need to consider: customers want accountability and prompt service. Whether you’re a public figure or an everyday resident, long wait times for essential services without proper communication are incredibly frustrating.
Her suggestion for hiring more staff or improving service turnaround is a reminder of the growing demand for better infrastructure, especially in regions prone to natural disasters and aging power grids.
Takeaways for Homeowners and Service Providers
For homeowners like Niurka, this ordeal serves as a lesson in preparedness. Solar panels, backup generators, or battery storage systems can offer peace of mind in uncertain times. The shift towards renewable energy isn’t just about environmental benefits; it’s about reliability and control over your home’s power.
For service providers, Niurka’s public appeal serves as a reminder: customer service matters. In the age of social media, public dissatisfaction can quickly turn into a viral moment, forcing companies to confront their shortcomings in real time.
