The chronic instability of the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Plant, widely known as Renté, was once again highlighted this Wednesday. Unit 3 went offline just an hour after its synchronization, further extending the power crisis in Santiago de Cuba. The Electric Union (UNE) announced on Facebook that at 6:49 PM, Unit 3 was taken offline due to "low vacuum," a mere 89 minutes after being connected to the National Electric System (SEN).
Unit 3 became operational at 5:20 PM, and shortly thereafter, at 5:38 PM, Unit 6 was synchronized. This development was initially promoted as a relief for power generation in the eastern part of the country.
Short-lived Optimism and Prolonged Outages
UNE's announcements sparked more skepticism than relief among the population. People have lost faith in Renté's synchronization announcements due to its frequent unexpected shutdowns. Unit 3, in particular, has been at the center of several similar incidents in recent days. This past Sunday, at 4:07 PM, it also went offline due to low vacuum, and seven minutes later, at 4:14 PM, Unit 5 ceased operation for reasons that were "pending identification" at the time.
A History of Constant Failures
Jesús Aguilar Hernández, the plant's general manager, explained to the official press on Tuesday that units 3, 5, and 6 were out of operation due to recent heavy rains. Technical crews were attempting to restart Unit 6 to contribute about 50 MW to the SEN, which was achieved a day later. Just a week ago, Unit 5 was taken offline due to a leak in the water station, adding to the long list of incidents that keep Renté as one of the most vulnerable points in Cuba's electrical system.
Unfulfilled Promises
This series of breakdowns coincided with a visit from ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel to the thermoelectric plant, during which he promised improvements by the year's end. However, the official rhetoric has failed to instill confidence, and the facts continue to contradict any optimistic narrative: "practice is the criterion of truth," and reality has been clear. Meanwhile, residents of Santiago continue to endure endless blackouts, in a scenario where technical solutions are increasingly precarious and the credibility of the electrical system is at its lowest point.
Understanding Renté's Power Struggles
Why did Renté's Unit 3 go offline?
Unit 3 went offline due to a "low vacuum" issue, just 89 minutes after it was synchronized with the National Electric System.
What is causing the frequent blackouts in Santiago de Cuba?
The frequent blackouts are primarily caused by the instability of the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Plant, known as Renté, and its repeated failures and maintenance issues.
What has been the response to the power crisis?
Despite promises from the government for improvements, the public remains skeptical. The continued failures and lack of effective solutions have diminished trust in the system.