Key Points
- Cuba faces its worst energy crisis in decades.
- Businesses must use renewable energy or purchase from government.
- New regulations focus on energy conservation and air conditioning.
With the nation experiencing its worst energy crisis in decades, Cuba has called on state and private enterprises to reduce their usage of air conditioners and increase the amount of electricity they generate from renewable sources, among other energy-saving measures.
Cuba tackles energy crisis with new measures.
The government issued a 16-page order on Tuesday outlining the new rules. The directive gives the nation’s largest energy users, both public and private, three years to set up renewable energy systems that can generate at least half of the electricity they consume throughout the day. Businesses must enter into a contract with the government to buy a portion of their renewable energy capacity if they are unable to install solar panels.
New conservation regulations are also introduced by the decree, such as the prohibition on air conditioning in non-technological offices at temperatures lower than 24°C (75.2°F). These actions are being taken as Cuba’s electrical grid is in danger of failing.
Energy conservation rules target air conditioning use.
According to reuters, millions of people were left without electricity for days during the island’s massive blackouts in October and November. As Cuba struggles to get the fuel and parts needed to produce enough electricity to meet demand, rolling outages persist.
The government blames the crisis on a worsening economic downturn and U.S. sanctions. In the event that power outages extend longer than 72 hours, the new regulation also specifies emergency protocols that oblige firms to turn down irrigation pumps, industrial ovens, and refrigerators during periods of high demand.
In addition to fines of up to 15,000 pesos (about $45) depending on the infraction, the decree contains enforcement procedures that include turning off energy to firms that do not comply.
