The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, Cuba's most crucial power station, has been disconnected from the national grid for over 48 hours due to extensive maintenance. Although an 84-hour schedule was initially set for the technical work, there is still no confirmed timeline for its return to operation. This uncertainty leaves a population already suffering from prolonged blackouts, extreme heat, and a systemic collapse in the energy sector on edge.
Technical Deputy Director Román Pérez Castañeda informed journalist José Miguel Solís from the state-run Radio 26 that the most challenging tasks involve repairing a vital feed pump for the boiler and the startup transformer. The operation includes 24-hour shifts with participation from multiple entities, yet it remains unclear if the three-day deadline will be met.
Meanwhile, the country is experiencing record levels of disruption. According to the Electric Union (UNE), on Tuesday night, the power deficit reached 2,020 megawatts by 10:00 p.m., marking one of the worst days of the year. On Wednesday, the situation remains dire, with the system only providing 1,880 MW against a demand of 3,140 MW, resulting in an estimated 1,850 MW shortfall during peak evening hours.
Challenges Beyond the Guiteras Plant
In addition to the Guiteras plant, six other thermoelectric stations are offline due to breakdowns or maintenance, and over 80 distributed generation stations are not operational due to fuel shortages. The 21 new solar farms provide minimal relief, as their support does not compensate for thermal limitations or the scarcity of diesel, gas, and fuel oil.
Rubén Campos, the director of the Guiteras plant, previously warned that the unit was operating at only 210 MW, below its nominal capacity, due to leaks in the high-temperature reheater. The maintenance aims to restore at least 40 MW, but given the crisis's magnitude, any progress seems insufficient.
Social Impact and Government Response
While official reports focus on statistics and timelines, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Social unrest is mounting. Blackouts not only degrade the quality of life but also paralyze hospitals, disrupt food production, damage appliances, and foster a sense of hopelessness. For many, it represents a national emergency that the government fails to resolve or alleviate effectively.
In a country where nearly 9 out of 10 families live in extreme poverty, the collapse of the electrical system poses a direct threat to daily survival.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the delays in restarting the Antonio Guiteras plant?
The main delays are due to the complex repairs needed for a critical feed pump and the startup transformer, which are essential for the plant's operation.
How are the power outages affecting Cuban society?
The blackouts are severely impacting daily life, from halting hospital functions to disrupting food production, damaging household appliances, and creating a pervasive sense of despair.
What measures are being taken to address Cuba's energy crisis?
The government is undertaking extensive maintenance and repair efforts, though the effectiveness and timeliness of these measures remain in question.