The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, Cuba's largest and most crucial power facility, experienced another disconnection from the National Electric System (SEN) on Monday due to a malfunction. This incident occurred just 24 hours after it had been reconnected. A brief statement from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) on social media reported that the shutdown happened at 7:39 PM, attributing it to a leak in the boiler, a common issue for the plant.
Matanzas journalist José Miguel Solís relayed information from engineer Rubén Campos Olmos, the plant's general manager, stating that they began cooling the boiler to inspect and resolve the fault as quickly as possible. "If the damage to the water walls is not extensive, there is a preliminary possibility of the plant being operational again by the peak demand period on Friday," the state-affiliated reporter added.
Solís also noted that other corrective measures will be undertaken with the support of teams from the Electric Plant Maintenance Company, which have already been mobilized to address the problem. As expected, hundreds of Cubans expressed their frustration on social media about yet another failure at the Guiteras plant.
The thermoelectric plant in Matanzas had re-synchronized with the SEN on Sunday at 4:48 PM, following a morning shutdown due to a control feed failure at a nearby substation. The forecast for power outages during Monday's peak hours was 1,545 MW, a figure that has unfortunately become common in recent days, marked by significant shortfalls in electricity generation.
FAQs on Cuba's Power Outages and Guiteras Plant Issues
What caused the recent shutdown of the Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant?
The recent shutdown was caused by a leak in the boiler, a recurring issue at the plant.
When might the Guiteras Plant be operational again?
If the damage is not extensive, the plant might be back in service by the peak demand period on Friday.
How have Cubans reacted to the Guiteras Plant's failures?
Many Cubans have expressed their frustration on social media, criticizing the repeated breakdowns at the plant.