Electricity restrictions in Cuba

The authorities in Cuba have announced plans to restrict the use of certain household items in an attempt to save electricity.

The measures will include restrictions on appliances such as video recorders, electric irons and air conditioning units.

Officials say the plan, due to get underway in two weeks' time, will cut the use of power by seven percent a year.

The aim is to save the country money, which will be put towards upgrading the Soviet-era generating plants now in use.

Correspondents say that, since the collapse of economic support from Moscow, Cubans have come to expect frequent power cuts and shortages.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service