The official propaganda continues to diverge sharply from reality, as evidenced by the Neighborhood Prize awarded this Saturday by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) to none other than the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant. The accolade was presented during a ceremony in Matanzas to acknowledge the "effort and actions taken to sustain electricity generation in the country, despite the challenges facing the energy sector," according to reports from state-run media.
This honor, given by the National Secretariat of the CDR, celebrates the "collective mindset and active participation of its workers in managing and directing productive processes." Moreover, the Guiteras team was also awarded the "National Distinguished Status in Socialist Emulation" for their achievements in 2024.
Present at the ceremony was former spy and National Coordinator of the surveillance organization, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo. As part of its 65th anniversary celebrations, the CDR plans to distribute 50 Neighborhood Prizes.
Díaz-Canel's Visit to Guiteras
On the same day, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant—the most efficient single-unit block in the country—to assess the recovery program for the National Electric System (SEN). According to state media, the plant is currently producing 226 MW, limited by a feed pump and high water consumption. The focus, they stated, is to maintain generation until a comprehensive overhaul scheduled for December, expected to span 180 days. After this process, the unit aims to generate 315 MW.
The visit is part of a broader tour initiated by the regime's leader to evaluate the "recovery of generation capacities" within the SEN. "It is highly motivating to visit this iconic power plant and witness the dedication and responsibility of its workforce in restoring the plant's generation capabilities to contribute to the much-needed stabilization of the SEN," said the regime representative amid the country's severe energy crisis.
Díaz-Canel emphasized that the major maintenance is "unavoidable" and urged for thorough preparation with quality, while also working to "recover capacities" to mitigate the impact of future outages due to repairs.
During discussions at the Guiteras, additional "support" measures for workers were announced, including salary increases, provision of food and hygiene products, specialized medical care, and other incentives, aimed at maintaining operations until the major intervention.
Another Weekend of Power Outages
Cuba is facing yet another weekend plagued by widespread and ongoing blackouts, with an electricity generation deficit exceeding 1,800 megawatts (MW) this Saturday, as reported by the Electric Union (UNE). The company acknowledged in its official statement that service was disrupted for 24 hours on Friday, extending into the early hours of Saturday.
During the evening, electricity consumption spikes; during peak hours, demand could reach 3,500 MW, while available capacity is only about 1,775 MW, resulting in a shortfall of approximately 1,725 MW and affecting up to 1,795 MW.
Cuba's Energy Challenges and Responses
What is the Neighborhood Prize awarded by the CDR?
The Neighborhood Prize is an award given by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution to recognize efforts and actions in various sectors, such as sustaining electricity generation in Cuba.
Why did Díaz-Canel visit the Guiteras Power Plant?
Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Guiteras Power Plant to assess the recovery program for the National Electric System and oversee efforts to restore generation capabilities amid Cuba's energy crisis.
What challenges does Cuba face with its electricity generation?
Cuba faces significant challenges in electricity generation, including outdated infrastructure, limited capacity, and high demand, leading to frequent power outages and energy deficits.