Cuba saves US$1 billion with 'energy revolution' and eliminates blackouts

Apr 15, 2007 - The Associated Press

Cuba says it saved more than US$1 billion (euro632 million) over two years and eliminated blackouts with its "energy revolution" that focuses on conservation and new power sources.

Basic Industry Vice Minister Juan Manuel Presa says the savings occurred in 2006 and 2007, as the government replaced 9 million regular light bulbs with energy-saving models and swapped 2.3 million old refrigerators for newer models.

Presa spoke to The Associated Press during a Monday gathering of the Petrocaribe regional energy group.

Cuba launched its "energy revolution" with new generation and saving initiatives after severe blackouts during summer 2004 in the antiquated electrical grid.