Cuban Province Hit by Gustav Restores Electricity Distribution

The Cuban westernmost Pinar del Rio
province has restored 58 percent of its electricity distribution, after
been cut off from the National Grid System (SEN) last Saturday by the
passage of Hurricane Gustav.
The hurricane, the third strongest to hit Cuba in known history,
with gusts of wind up to 212 miles per hour, knocked down 136 high
voltage transmission towers, and an uncountable number of distribution
poles.
Thanks to the 577 small power generator network working in the
territory, electricity was provided to the service facilities during the
hurricane, while the same units are guaranteeing the service to
residential areas.
Executives from the Basic Electric Organization (OBE) made clear that
the province is still cut off from the grid, while the high voltage
transmission tower replacement works are still underway on the 110
kilovolt line, something that will take longer on the 220 kilovolt
line.
So the country has set aside 585,000 litres of fuel to guarantee
the work of the small power generator network, a motive to use
the electric services rationally, they insisted.
Working along with the electric workers from Pinar del Rio are back-up
forces from other parts of the country, without asking for any
comforts and thankful for being welcomed in the affected areas.
Step by step, the inhabitants of the eight most affected towns, thanks
to the efforts of these forces, are improving their living conditions,
while they are also working on the repair of the phone and television
services.