The content creator Sheyla Reyes, known on Instagram as @sheyreyes03, shared a video in which she shows how she manages to survive with only one hour of electricity a day in Matanzas, one of the provinces most affected by blackouts in Cuba.
With a calm and natural tone, Sheyla narrates how Cubans should make the most of those 60 minutes of electricity service to carry out all the essential tasks: cooking, washing, charging batteries, and accumulating water, in case the authorities also restore the pumping service.
Routine, far from being exceptional, seems to have become the new normal for many families in Cuba.
"All they are giving us is one hour of electricity a day," Sheyla states with a calmness that, more than resignation, reflects the ability to adapt forced by the energy crisis faced by the country. Her video sparked a wave of comments confirming that the situation is not exclusive to Matanzas.
Testimonies of similar blackouts throughout Cuba
Residents from other provinces responded to the video sharing similar experiences. From Pinar del Río to Guantánamo, many Cubans stated that they also receive only one or two hours of electricity per day, and even less at times. Some described power outages of up to 30 consecutive hours.
“I live in Villa Toa, in Guantánamo, and they give it to me for an hour or less,” commented one internet user. Another testimony from Yara, in Granma, confirmed: “Here where I live, they only give it for an hour, and when they take it away, it doesn’t come back until the next day.”
Even users from Havana pointed out that, although the situation is less critical, power outages are still frequent and widespread, with interruptions of between four and five hours a day, or one hour in the early morning.
Reactions on social media: Sadness, outrage, and uncertainty
Sheyla's video provoked mixed emotions. Some expressed their astonishment and disbelief, questioning whether what she was saying was true. Others were shocked by the harshness of the situation: “I don’t know how you can say so casually, 'they're only giving us one hour of electricity a day,'” wrote one user.
The issue of young children, food preservation, and its impact on daily life, from bathing to ironing clothes or warming milk, was a recurring concern.
"In an hour, she prepares lunch, cooks, does laundry, and if there's time, she irons; if not, she leaves with wrinkled clothes," noted a user who described her daily routine with resignation.
Far from being anecdotal or superficial content, Sheyla's video serves as an intimate portrait of the Cuban energy crisis, where every minute of electricity has become a valuable resource.
"Make more videos like this," requested a user. "At least this way the world learns about what Cubans are going through."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is seriously affecting the daily lives of citizens. People have to organize all their essential tasks within the brief window of time they have electricity, which in some areas is only for one hour a day. This includes cooking, washing clothes, and charging electronic devices. Moreover, prolonged blackouts, sometimes lasting over 30 hours, are causing the loss of refrigerated foods and making access to basic services such as drinking water more difficult.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are mainly due to a deficit in electricity generation. This deficit is caused by a lack of maintenance in thermoelectric plants, a shortage of fuel, and insufficient generation of renewable energy to meet demand. Additionally, frequent breakdowns in thermoelectric plants and the obsolescence of the national electrical system worsen the situation.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented several measures to address the energy crisis. These include reducing consumption in non-essential sectors, strict control of large energy consumers, and food distribution in communities. Moreover, the introduction of photovoltaic generation has been announced in an attempt to alleviate the deficit, although the population receives these promises with skepticism due to the ongoing deterioration of the electrical system.
What impact do power outages have on the economy and daily life of Cubans?
Blackouts have a devastating impact on the economy and daily life of Cubans. The lack of electricity disrupts industrial production, affects food preservation, and complicates access to essential services like drinking water. Moreover, blackouts increase economic precariousness, as the loss of food represents an unsustainable financial blow for many families. The situation also creates an environment of hopelessness and social unrest.
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