The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, stated this Monday in a government meeting that Cuba is making progress in the installation of photovoltaic systems intended for teachers, doctors, and "heroes of labor."
The installation of photovoltaic systems is part of a job stimulus program amid the deep energy crisis the country is facing.
"To date, 8,817 systems have been sold out of the 10,200 we have planned. A total of 7,719 have been installed, which represents 87.4%. This has had a very positive impact," the official stated during the meeting.
The program includes the marketing and installation of solar panels in homes of workers recognized as outstanding by the State, an initiative that the government presents as a tribute to prioritized sectors.
Solar panels replace Ladas and Panda televisions as state incentives in Cuba
The regime's stimulus policy has changed significantly in recent decades, in line with the country's economic decline.
In the 1980s, outstanding workers and medical professionals could receive a car as a reward, in a context of strong Soviet support for the Cuban economy. The usual brands were Lada and Moskovich.
In the 1990s, during the height of the "Special Period," incentives were reduced to Panda televisions, of Chinese origin, and other household appliances.
Subsequently, the rewards included domestic tourist trips or small appliances such as rice cookers and fans.
Currently, solar panels are the reward for the worker. Nothing is given for free; the beneficiaries must pay for the new state incentive.
Energy crisis as a backdrop
The delivery of photovoltaic systems takes place in a context marked by extensive electrical outages, fuel shortages, and frequent breakdowns in thermal power plants, which have caused daily disruptions for millions of Cubans.
The government has emphasized the expansion of renewable energy as part of its strategy to alleviate the crisis of the national electricity system.
However, while some prioritized sectors receive these devices, a large part of the population continues to face power outages lasting several hours each day.
In this scenario, solar panels become part of the state incentive scheme, reflecting not only a change in the energy matrix but also in the state's ability to reward its most loyal workers.
Filed under: