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| Cuba lifts import ban on domestic appliances | Cuba lifts import ban on domestic appliances |
| (7 days later) | |
| Cuba has authorised individual imports of appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and microwave ovens, lifting a ban imposed in 2005 amid a wave of energy shortages and blackouts. | Cuba has authorised individual imports of appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators and microwave ovens, lifting a ban imposed in 2005 amid a wave of energy shortages and blackouts. |
| Islanders can now bring up to two such appliances per person into the country for noncommercial purposes. The list of approved items includes air conditioners with a capacity of less than one ton, ovens that consume less than 1,500 watts and microwaves under 2,000 watts. It also covers water heaters, toasters and irons. | Islanders can now bring up to two such appliances per person into the country for noncommercial purposes. The list of approved items includes air conditioners with a capacity of less than one ton, ovens that consume less than 1,500 watts and microwaves under 2,000 watts. It also covers water heaters, toasters and irons. |
| Personal importation of energy-sucking appliances was restricted eight years ago during an energy crisis that prompted the then president, Fidel Castro, to launch the so-called energy revolution, seeking to lower consumption. | Personal importation of energy-sucking appliances was restricted eight years ago during an energy crisis that prompted the then president, Fidel Castro, to launch the so-called energy revolution, seeking to lower consumption. |
| Castro went on state TV to promote more efficient rice steamers and pressure cookers, government workers fanned out across the island replacing incandescent lightbulbs in homes, and the electrical grid got an update. | Castro went on state TV to promote more efficient rice steamers and pressure cookers, government workers fanned out across the island replacing incandescent lightbulbs in homes, and the electrical grid got an update. |
| Blackouts are much rarer today, thanks in part to a steady flow of oil on preferential terms from close ally Venezuela. | Blackouts are much rarer today, thanks in part to a steady flow of oil on preferential terms from close ally Venezuela. |
| In 2011 Cuba resumed local sales of domestic appliances in response to demand and to support private small businesses launched under the economic reforms of the current president, Raul Castro. Authorities have continued to stress the importance of conservation to keep Cuba's power grid from being overtaxed. | In 2011 Cuba resumed local sales of domestic appliances in response to demand and to support private small businesses launched under the economic reforms of the current president, Raul Castro. Authorities have continued to stress the importance of conservation to keep Cuba's power grid from being overtaxed. |
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