In the midst of an energy crisis that has plunged Cuba into endless blackouts and severe fuel shortages, the Cuban government has announced a new policy that could take an unsettling turn. Workers will now have the opportunity to purchase solar panels, and new "facilities" will be put in place allowing those who generate electricity to sell it, even to third parties.
This announcement was made by Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, during his appearance on the state-sponsored program Mesa Redonda. He emphasized that the regime was not there to offer excuses but to outline measures aimed at addressing the "acute fuel shortage" affecting the nation.
"We are not here to justify ourselves. Our goal is to lessen the impact on the Cuban population," he asserted.
However, the announcement comes at a time when countless Cuban families are trapped in a distressing routine, facing nights without electricity, spoiled food, water shortages, and a nation nearly paralyzed by the collapse of its power grid.
Energy Sales to Businesses and Institutions
One of the most striking points from Pérez-Oliva Fraga's address was the revelation that, for the first time, entities and individuals who generate electricity from renewable sources will be permitted to sell it directly to other consumers, not just to the national utility company, Unión Eléctrica.
"There is now an option for these entities or individuals to sell the energy they generate directly to third parties," he explained.
According to the official, these third parties could be businesses, industries, or institutions capable of purchasing the produced electricity.
The policy is presented as part of the "incentives" to expand the installation of renewable energy sources in both institutions and households. Nonetheless, the announcement also highlights a troubling reality. In a country where state salaries barely suffice for basic survival, electricity is becoming a luxury for those who can afford solar panels and backup systems.
Secrecy and Repetitive Narratives
During his speech, Pérez-Oliva Fraga also acknowledged internal shortcomings and stated that the government was not solely blaming the U.S. embargo for its issues.
"We do not want to justify ourselves with the blockade; there are a number of internal deficiencies," he noted.
Despite this, he identified the suspension of oil shipments from Venezuela following Nicolás Maduro's capture as a crucial factor, reiterating that "there are things that cannot be publicly explained," citing secrecy for reasons of external surveillance.
Understanding Cuba's New Solar Energy Initiative
What are the new opportunities for solar panel ownership in Cuba?
The Cuban government is allowing workers to purchase solar panels, offering incentives to generate electricity which can then be sold to third parties.
Who can buy the electricity generated by renewable sources in Cuba?
Businesses, industries, and institutions with the capability to purchase electricity can now buy energy directly from individuals or entities generating it from renewable sources.
What internal issues did the government acknowledge?
The Cuban government admitted to internal deficiencies and stated that they are not solely blaming the U.S. embargo for the country's challenges.