Cuba declares blackouts over after 15 years

Cuba declares blackouts over after 15 years

Cuba has declared an end to the daily blackouts that have wreaked havoc
on peoples' lives and the economy since 1990s.

In the latest sign Cuba is recovering from a long economic crisis, Basic
Industry Minister Yadira Garcia told parliament on Saturday that a US$1
billion programme to link hundreds of large generators to the energy
grid meant there was 1,000 megawatts more power available for the summer
when demand peaks.

"In less than eight months conditions have been created that guarantee
that there will be no blackouts in our country due to a lack of
generating capacity," the minister said in her report published by the
official media on Monday.

During the sweltering months of May through August, residents of this
tropical island turn on fans and air-conditioners and vacationing
students watch television and play music.

Last summer, long daily blackouts ruined vacations as Cubans fought
mosquitoes in the heat and darkness, young people went without
entertainment, and water wasn't pumped.

"Last year, between the darkness, the heat, the mosquitoes and the kids
without television, homes became hell," said retiree Pedro Arias in a
telephone interview from easternmost Guantanamo Province.

"This year, matters are very different. I do not even remember when the
last blackout was, and I don't want to ever," he said.

Generously financed Venezuelan oil from Castro ally President Hugo
Chavez, a US$2 billion increase in revenues from service exports mainly
to the South American country, and Chinese credits have also helped Cuba
financially.

President Fidel Castro has taken personal responsibility for what he
calls an "energy revolution" that involves the unique use of the
generators, an overhaul of the energy grid and the replacement of
millions of old home appliances with more efficient Chinese products.

The island's seven ageing oil-fired power plants can generate about
2,700 megawatts, but operate at only 60 per cent of capacity due to
breakdowns and maintenance halts.

For over a decade, the plants have run on locally produced high-sulfur
oil that clogs and damages the equipment.

For the past five years a lack of capacity has forced the country to
close some 200 factories and adopt other emergency measures in the summer.

"A stable power supply will allow steel mills, cement plants and other
factories to operate without interruption, pushing forward recovery and
helping to pay our investment," said a Cuban economist, who asked his
name not be used.

Source: China Daily

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