Power outages in Cuba have reached unprecedented levels. In numerous provinces, the government schedules just one hour of electricity per day, forcing families into a relentless battle for survival. With no liquefied gas, charcoal prices skyrocketing (over 1,400 pesos per sack), and no electrical power to cook food, Cubans have had to rely on their ingenuity to tackle a fundamental challenge: preparing daily meals.
A video shared by Martí Noticias highlights a Cuban in Viñales, Pinar del Río, demonstrating his makeshift system to generate electricity amid the blackout. His solution involves an intricate setup and a tangle of wires. It starts with a solar panel capturing energy, which is then routed through an "elevator," followed by a "motorcycle battery," then to a "current inverter," and finally, powers an induction cooktop. This Cuban proudly states that in his home, "we cook because we cook."
This story is not isolated. In Santiago de Cuba, at the opposite end of the country, another Cuban has devised his own method for cooking during blackouts. A video shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta reveals how one individual uses a motorcycle battery to power an old computer fan, which in turn fans the flames of low-quality charcoal. Although his invention is less sophisticated and resource-intensive, it enabled him to light the stove and cook his lunch in a pressure cooker.
The combination of the electrical crisis, food shortages, and exorbitant charcoal costs places Cuban families in a dire situation. Many believe the primary issue is obtaining food due to inflation and scarcity, but it's possible to have rice and beans in the pantry yet be unable to eat them because there's no way to cook. It's not just about the lack of food; it's also about the inability to prepare and preserve it. While the nation is plunged into darkness, the creativity and resourcefulness of the people have become the sole means to endure the crisis and survive another day in Cuba.
Surviving Power Outages in Cuba
How are Cubans coping with the extended power outages?
Cubans are relying on inventive solutions, such as using solar panels and motorcycle batteries, to generate power and cook meals during blackouts.
What challenges do Cubans face besides the lack of electricity?
In addition to power outages, Cubans struggle with food scarcity, high charcoal costs, and the inability to preserve and cook food.