Cuba announces new restrictions and a contingency plan as the energy crisis intensifies

Cuba has asked businesses and state-owned companies to reduce their air conditioning usage and generate more electricity using renewable sources, and also to take other conservation measures. This is as the communist government faces its worst energy crisis for decades.

In a 16-page decret published on Tuesday, the new regulations give the top energy users in the public and private sectors three years to install sources of renewable energy capable of producing 50% or more of their electricity during daylight hours.

Businesses will be required to contract the government if they cannot install solar panels in an office or factory.

The decree also establishes a number of new conservation measures. One such measure prohibits state and private companies on the Caribbean Island from using "climate-control units in nontechnological offices at temperatures below 24C (75.22F).

Cuba's electric grid is on the brink of collapse, and these increasingly restrictive measures are a response.

During October and November, there were multiple island-wide blackouts that left millions in darkness for several days. Cuba continues to experience rolling blackouts as it struggles to find the fuel and spares needed to generate enough power to meet demand.

The government is blaming U.S. economic sanctions and the escalating tension on these factors.

The decree establishes protocols to be used in the event of an emergency where it "is necessary to interrupt electrical service on a sustained and planned basis for more than 72-hours."

Businesses would have to turn off refrigerators, industrial-sized ovens, and irrigation pumps at peak hours.

The decree devotes several pages to the enforcement of the new regulations, which include shutting down electricity for businesses that do not meet the new standards. Fines can range from 15,000 pesos (approximately $45.00) to more than 45,000 pesos, depending on the offense. Nelson Acosta reported; Dave Sherwood, Bill Berkrot and Bill Berkrot edited.

(source: Reuters)