A Cuban woman decided not to sit idly by in the face of the energy crisis that is striking the island hard and showcased on social media the unique alternative system she has installed in her home to cope with the prolonged blackouts.
In a video posted on the Facebook profile of Evelio Valdés, a woman explains that she has installed two solar panels on her balcony, which are connected to a charge inverter, an ammeter, a charger, and a 200 amp lithium battery.
In addition, the Cuban woman has a smaller gel battery stored away, to use if necessary. "I am prepared to endure", the woman assured. She is clearly convinced that power outages in Cuba will continue and will likely worsen.
The energy situation in the country is critical. In several provinces, power outages can last up to 20 hours a day, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans and forcing them to seek solutions on their own.
This crisis has lasted for years, with the government failing to present an effective solution, either in the short or medium term.
While authorities continue to offer excuses, thousands of families are surviving in precarious conditions, with no reliable access to electricity, no refrigeration for food, and without the basic conditions for a restful night.
This woman's initiative is a reflection of the resilience of the Cuban people in the face of institutional neglect and the regime's inability to ensure basic services.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Creative Solutions of Its Citizens
How are Cubans dealing with prolonged blackouts?
Cubans are turning to their own solutions to tackle prolonged blackouts. This includes the installation of solar panels, the use of improvised generators, and cooking with firewood or charcoal. These methods allow families to carry on with their daily activities despite the lack of electricity.
What is "creative resistance" in the context of the Cuban energy crisis?
"Creative resistance" refers to the ability of Cubans to come up with ingenious solutions in the face of basic resource shortages during the energy crisis. Examples include the use of solar panels and batteries to generate electricity and the adoption of traditional cooking methods. This creativity is a response to the government's ineffectiveness in addressing the crisis.
What impact do blackouts have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts seriously affect the daily lives of Cubans, interrupting essential activities such as food refrigeration and meal preparation. Furthermore, they create issues in accessing basic services like water and communication, impacting the quality of life and increasing frustration towards the government.
What role do social media play during the energy crisis in Cuba?
Social media is a crucial channel for Cubans to share their experiences and voice their concerns during the energy crisis. Through platforms like TikTok and Facebook, people showcase their ingenuity in solving everyday problems while expressing their frustration and discontent with the government's management.
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