Ramiro Valdes Urges Residential Sector to Save Energy

HAVANA, Cuba, March 30.- Cuban Vice President and Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdes reiterated called on the residential sector to step up energy saving measures.

Valdes made the call during a territorial meeting on the rational use of energy involving all four central Cuban provinces from Cienfuegos to Ciego de Avila, according to a Granma newspaper.

Valdes said all the people should get involved in this battle through political and grass-root organizations, which, he said, should play a more active role in this regard.

The vice president pointed out that with the upcoming summer season,initiatives to reduce consumption have to be developed in all sectors and particularly in the houses, where the largest economic reserves are concentrated.

Valdes asked for inspections to detect any infractions of energy saving measures, which must be severely punished with power cuts and fines.  He noted that in the ongoing year, more than 1,000 offenses have been reported.

Participating in the meeting, Cuban Basic Industry Minister Yadira Garcia referred to the need to expand the production of earthen-made devices developed in the eastern province of Camagüey to reduce power consumption of electric stoves that are used in a considerable number of households in the country. (ACN)