The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant has temporarily scaled back its power output to 120 MW this Friday to facilitate the replacement of a 6 kV switch.
According to the electric company, this maintenance task is expected to take about two hours. Once completed, the plant aims to ramp up its output to 205 MW, as stated in the technical report released on Friday.
This maintenance occurs amidst widespread power outages caused by a severe generation deficit and the operational collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), where the demand significantly surpasses supply capacity.
The latest update indicated the peak shortfall reached 1,840 MW at 7:00 PM, exceeding expectations due to the delayed activation of Santa Cruz 3 (Mayabeque) and Renté (Santiago de Cuba).
As of 6:00 AM, SEN's availability was 1,610 MW against a demand of 2,568 MW, resulting in a 976 MW deficit. During peak hours, the shortfall could reach up to 1,810 MW.
The report attributes the situation to breakdowns in critical units (Felton 2, Mariel 8, Renté 6), scheduled maintenance (Santa Cruz del Norte, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos, Nuevitas in Camagüey), and thermal limitations keeping 467 MW out of service, prolonging power interruptions across extensive regions of the country.
This operational adjustment coincides with the monitoring of approaching Tropical Storm Melissa, which poses a threat to eastern Cuba with potential rain and winds, potentially complicating maintenance efforts and load recovery if weather conditions worsen.
If the switch replacement is completed within the estimated timeframe, the Guiteras plant is expected to gradually restore its output to approximately 205 MW, providing partial relief from the deficit during the nighttime peak.
However, the overall normalization will depend on the reactivation of other units, the stabilization of malfunctioning plants, and favorable weather conditions.
Cuba's Power Crisis and Antonio Guiteras Plant
What caused the temporary reduction at the Antonio Guiteras plant?
The reduction was necessary to replace a 6 kV switch, which is expected to take about two hours to complete.
How does the power deficit impact Cuba?
The power deficit results in widespread outages, as the demand surpasses the power supply, especially with ongoing issues in critical units and maintenance schedules.
What challenges does Tropical Storm Melissa pose?
The storm threatens eastern Cuba with rain and winds, which could complicate maintenance work and delay load recovery if weather conditions worsen.