Keeping cell phones charged amidst the prolonged and frequent power outages that Cubans endure is a daunting task that requires a variety of techniques and ingenuity to prevent the device from dying completely.
When seeking insights into this reality faced by many Cubans, the independent outlet Cubanet encountered numerous solutions. "I lower the brightness, close all applications, and keep it in dark mode," a Cuban woman explained in a video shared by the news outlet on their X account.
"Some people have portable chargers, which also help in charging the phone, and some music equipment brought from abroad also serve to charge the phone," mentioned another Cuban.
Each small story represents a challenge in the face of unfavorable conditions, mainly because the Cuban government has not ensured stability in the national power grid for months. This has led to extensive blackouts for Cuban families, adding to the scarcity of food and medicine, uncontrolled inflation, high prices, the collapse of public services, and the rise in unsanitary conditions and outbreaks of diseases like the Oropouche Virus.
Recently, a Cuban on the social media platform TikTok shared a video demonstrating "one of the ways" people bathe on the island when there is no electricity. "When the power fails and you need to find a method to cool your body," wrote Yan Carlos, who goes by @con_cuba_barber on the platform and lives in Italy. The Cuban was on vacation on the island.
How Cubans Cope with Power Outages
The ongoing power outages in Cuba have forced its residents to develop various methods to maintain some semblance of normalcy. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about how Cubans manage during these challenging times.
What are some common techniques Cubans use to keep their phones charged during blackouts?
Cubans often lower the brightness of their phones, close all applications, and use dark mode. Many also rely on portable chargers and certain music equipment brought from abroad that can charge phones.
Why are there frequent power outages in Cuba?
The Cuban government has failed to maintain stability in the national power grid for months, leading to extensive blackouts. This is compounded by a broader collapse of public services and economic instability.
What additional challenges do Cubans face due to power outages?
In addition to frequent blackouts, Cubans face food and medicine shortages, uncontrolled inflation, high prices, and a rise in unsanitary conditions, leading to outbreaks of diseases like the Oropouche Virus.