As an economically embargoed nation with few proven natural energy resources and historically dependent on foreign oil subsidized by geopolitical allies, Cuba has recognized the need to consume energy efficiently. It is also very attuned to the threats of climate change particular to its geography—soil desiccation and receding coastlines. The ensuing "Energy Revolution" has involved replacing all the light bulbs on the island with compact fluorescents, developing and distributing efficient kitchen appliances and televisions, and swapping out old wasteful American refrigerators and Soviet air conditioners for new efficient Chinese models. The replacement campaigns operate at the neighborhood level in the door-to-door manner of the census; and families pay for their new appliances on installment plans. The state has also purchased fleets of Chinese buses and made upgrades to power plants and the electric grid. There are no longer systematic blackouts—yet unintended blackouts still occur sporadically. Cuba is near to rendering itself efficient enough to be an energy exporter, if the seabed tracts currently being explored yield the levels of petroleum estimated.
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