Cuba's authorities call for energy savings despite social isolation

Cuba's authorities maintain this Thursday the call to save energy in the face of the rise in consumption in the sector due to the social isolation decreed to contain being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Cuba's Minister of Energy and Mines Livan Arronte told national television that consumption in the residential sector grew by 10 percent after the cessation of school activities and non-essential work over a month ago.

According to the minister, the increase in consumption reaches 3,932 mega megawatts per hour above what was planned for April, an issue that represents 1,330 tons of fuel per day more in generating power.

He also explained that a great effort is being made to avoid blackouts, given the tightening of the US economic blockade, which is focused on not letting enter oil imports to Cuba.

Despite the uncomfortable scenario to which hot temperatures are added, the authorities reiterate that social isolation must go along with savings and thus avoid further SARS-CoV-2 infections.