The sports activities planned for this weekend have been put on hold due to the worsening energy crisis in Cuba. So, what’s behind this decision? Well, the National Institute of Sports, Instituto Nacional de Deportes (INDER) says it’s all about contributing to energy savings, given the country’s current energy situation. They took to social media to announce the postponement, stating that the activities will be reprogrammed when conditions allow.
Saving Energy
The government had already announced the suspension of work and teaching activities for February 14 and 15 to conserve energy, although essential activities were exempt. It’s worth noting that this move is aimed at reducing the strain on the country’s energy resources. Now, with INDER postponing its sports activities, it’s clear that the energy crisis is having a far-reaching impact.
The situation on the ground is pretty dire, with the State Electric Union (UNE) reporting that over 57% of the country was in the dark simultaneously at one point this week. That’s the highest deficit rate in at least two years, and it’s not hard to see why – the country’s thermoelectric plants are obsolete and have been exploited for decades, with a chronic lack of investment. Add to that a shortage of fuel due to a lack of currency to import it, and you’ve got a perfect storm.
Blackouts on the Rise
Some cities have been experiencing blackouts of over 24 hours, and even Havana has seen scheduled suspensions of at least six hours. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a sign of a deeper problem. The energy crisis has been ongoing since the last quarter of 2024, with three national blackouts recorded during that time. Two of those were due to unforeseen events that pushed the national electrical system to the limit. The question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next?
The government and INDER are clearly trying to respond to the crisis, but it’s a complex issue that requires a long-term solution. For now, Cubans will just have to wait and see when the lights will come back on – and when their sports activities will resume.