In a nation where power outages exceed 20 hours daily in numerous areas and some households endure disruptions lasting several consecutive days, the Cuban government has decided to establish a National Energy Efficiency Award.
This initiative, sanctioned by the Council of Ministers, aims to acknowledge efforts in electricity conservation and the utilization of renewable energy sources amidst a crisis that leaves millions of Cubans anxiously waiting to turn on a light bulb.
The decision was formalized through Agreement 10452 by the Council of Ministers, approved on September 16, and published this Tuesday in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba No. 89 Ordinary of 2026.
The newly introduced accolade, officially named the National Award for Energy Efficiency and the Use of Renewable Energy Sources, will be bestowed by the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
According to the guidelines, this recognition targets individuals and organizations that demonstrate contributions to the country's economic, social, and energy development, particularly by rational electricity usage and renewable energy deployment.
The award will be presented annually during the observance of World Energy Efficiency Day, with a single winner each year, who could either be an individual or an organization.
Interestingly, despite being a national acknowledgment, it will not include any financial reward. The recipient will receive a trophy, a plaque, a diploma, or some form of official recognition.
The agreement also specifies that expenses related to the award presentation should not exceed ten times the average salary prevailing in Cuba during the previous fiscal year.
The National Office for the Rational Use of Energy (ONURE) will be responsible for announcing and nominating the award, while the Minister of Energy and Mines will form the jury tasked with selecting the winner.
The award ceremony will be conducted through an official event, and its results may be disseminated via media outlets and digital platforms.
Agreement 10452 came into effect on October 27, although the Ministry of Energy and Mines must subsequently approve specific regulations for organizing submissions and selecting the awardee.
The irony is hard to overlook: while the government establishes a recognition for energy efficiency, a substantial part of the population struggles to access electricity for basic needs like cooking, preserving food, or performing everyday tasks.
The contrast becomes even starker when considering that, in early October, power outages lasting over 20 hours daily were documented, with consecutive cuts extending up to 55 hours in Holguín circuits.
The pinnacle of irony is the reality faced by numerous residents of the Remedios municipality in Villa Clara, who have been without electricity for over 45 days, causing food spoilage and forcing families to confront enormous challenges in meeting their basic needs.
Understanding Cuba's National Energy Efficiency Award
What is the purpose of Cuba's National Energy Efficiency Award?
The award aims to recognize efforts in conserving electricity and utilizing renewable energy sources in Cuba, despite the ongoing energy crisis.
Who is eligible to receive the award?
Individuals and organizations demonstrating contributions to Cuba's economic, social, and energy development are eligible for the award.
Does the award include a financial prize?
No, the award does not include a financial prize; recipients receive a trophy, plaque, diploma, or official certificate instead.