ELECTRICITY

Electric light was out very often. Several times a day or night, for about one hour. For economy?s sake. At night, the city was folded in darkness: the so-called ?socialist darkness?. There was very little electric light, a bit more of it in the central areas. (A.-I. B., 103)

When the elevator stopped and electric light on the halls was out, and since there were no windows either, the hall was in complete darkness. People used to put candles on top of each stair flight.

To warm ourselves, we used electric stoves and radiators. In wintertime, there was no other means. (I. M., 99)

Our block was connected to another power station than the neighboring blocks. When we had electric light, they did not, and the other way round. Sometimes, when we had light, we watched the other blocks and laughed. But it was our turn soon. We had candles in every room. Later, father bought a torch and a lantern. They had the torch, we had the lantern. They cut off the light especially in winter, when night came, so we got into our beds and fell asleep. (R. D. A., 3)

We lit the gas lamp we had from grandma. We also had lanterns, but I liked the little lamp, even if it gave out a bad smell. We?d grown used to it. (R. D. A., 122)

In most neighborhoods electric power was often cut off, every day for whole hours; it could even stay out for 24 hours, especially at night. The lucky ones were those who lived in blocks serially connected to hospitals or embassies. We had power on our street because here was also the children hospital. (A.-I. B., 34)

Light went out when you most needed it. Not always, though. Only from time to time. Explanation? Repairs, economy, etc. Both day and night. You feared for the meat going rotten in the fridge. There were big problems with the electric light. (A.-I. B., 102)

I got used to going out of my flat from time to time, whenever there was a power cut, and shout out through the elevator door: Is there anyone caught in there? Power cuts were unpredictable that it often happened that children and old persons remained stuck inside. Or it could be claustrophobic persons who could well have a fit in there. So, whenever the power was out, I went out with my lantern and addressed my question. Was it any good, my going the rounds, as well as others?? I think it was, and that?s all I need to know. (V. M., 128)