Living Without Electricity in Baja California

Living Without Electricity in Baja California

basis, resulting in higher spending on food. This situation leads to alternative adaptive practices, such as buying non-perishable food and consuming a significant amount of canned food. Others ask neighbors or family members who have a refrigerator to store their food. In some cases, ice is purchased and food kept in coolers.

2. Lighting

Lighting as well as hygiene and cleaning services through the use of a washing machine were the second most valued. The respondents expressed that they have to use candles to light their homes at night and early in the morning. This reliance makes them feel insecure due to the danger of fire from the candles. Some residents use other lighting alternatives, such as flashlights, the light emitted by a charged cell phone and, in some cases, solar lights that use small photovoltaic panels. Frequently, chores at night go unfinished due to the lack of light.

Education is oftentimes jeopardized. Children face difficulties with completing homework or watching lessons broadcast on television. The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the digital divide that exists in Baja California, and in Mexico in general. Clearly, lack of electricity negatively impacts education of children and young adults. 3. Telecommunication Another valued service is information, communication and entertainment through the Internet and television. Many residents are forced to overcome the lack of electricity in part

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