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Inside, confidential and off the recordCuba's extreme measures
In a move that is quickly becoming the rule in Latin America, rather than the exception, the Cuban government has implemented several “extreme measures” designed to conserve energy in the face of a “critical” energy shortage.
"The energy situation we face is critical and if we do not adopt extreme measures we will have to revert to planned blackouts affecting the population," said a recently circulated message from the Council of Ministers.
Cuba is the third country in as many weeks in the region to implement electricity rationing. Venezuela and Ecuador have both been facing shortages due to severe drought.
Cuba’s electricity shortages, however, are the result of an ailing electrical grid that was significantly damaged by a series of hurricanes in recent years, as well as increased electricity consumption.
Conservation measures being implemented by the Cuban government include the closing of non-essential factories and workshops and the shutting down of air conditioners and refrigerators not needed to preserve food and medicine, according to Reuters
The island has experienced extensive electricity outages before—most notably in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Increased oil imports at favorable prices from Venezuela have helped alleviate some of the burden on the energy sector. However, Cubans still experience intermittent electricity outages on a daily basis.
- /11/12/09
ISSUES.... 11/19/09
ISSUES.... Inside, confidential and off the record
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