The head of the Cuban Electric Union (UNE), Alfredo López Valdés, has announced that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas will cease operations at the end of the year for a comprehensive six-month overhaul. During his appearance on the state-run program Mesa Redonda, López Valdés attributed the current challenges to "accumulated lack of maintenance" and insufficient regulation of the electric system.
In response, he revealed plans for an extensive maintenance operation aimed at significantly extending the plant's lifespan. This decision follows repeated failures that have triggered widespread blackouts and exposed the fragile state of the National Electric System.
Implications of the Plant's Shutdown
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, mentioned ongoing investigations into the recent unexpected shutdown of the Guiteras. He lauded the efforts of UNE workers in partially restoring services following a nationwide blackout, assuring that no facilities were damaged due to the outage.
The shutdown of the Guiteras, the country's largest thermoelectric facility, poses a significant setback for Cuba's already struggling power generation. Experts warn that without this plant, the grid will rely on smaller, less reliable units with a history of frequent breakdowns, predicting prolonged blackouts in the coming months.
Official Responses and Public Reactions
The government has framed this move as part of a larger initiative to rehabilitate the National Electric System, including interventions in five thermoelectric plants this year to enhance "efficiency and reliability." However, ongoing deterioration and lack of sustained investment cast doubt on the medium-term outcomes.
For many citizens, this announcement is yet another indication that the energy crisis will intensify. The six-month halt of the Antonio Guiteras threatens to further disrupt daily life for Cubans, who already grapple with power outages, shortages, and failing basic services.
Recent Failures Highlight System Vulnerabilities
The government itself has acknowledged the "severe" state of the electric system, admitting that the Guiteras will need to pause operations for maintenance, which forebodes even greater disruptions. Last Wednesday, the plant automatically shut down due to a false superheated steam signal in the boiler. This specific malfunction activated the thermal block's automatic protection scheme, resulting in a total collapse of the National Electric System, leaving the entire island without power for over 24 hours.
This was the fifth nationwide blackout within a year and the second in 2025, highlighting the steady decline of the state-controlled system.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras plant?
The shutdown is due to a planned extensive maintenance operation aimed at addressing accumulated maintenance issues and system regulation failures.
How will the shutdown affect Cuba's power supply?
With the Antonio Guiteras out of operation, Cuba will rely on smaller, more unstable power units, likely leading to prolonged blackouts.
What measures are being taken to improve the electrical system?
The government plans to conduct interventions in five thermoelectric plants this year to improve the system's efficiency and reliability.