A fire erupted in the boiler of Unit 6 at the Diez de Octubre Thermoelectric Plant in Nuevitas, causing a shutdown of one of Cuba's most critical power facilities. This incident exacerbates an already severe electricity shortfall exceeding 2,000 megawatts (MW) as of Sunday.
The Electric Union (UNE) confirmed the incident at 8:26 PM on Saturday, explaining that the unit was removed from service under "emergency clearance" after a fire was detected in the boiler. The official report stated, "60.5 MW were affected by demand associated with failures (DAF), which are currently being restored."
This fire occurs amid a widespread energy collapse. Earlier that morning, the UNE warned that the National Electric System (SEN) was facing another critical day, projecting a peak deficit of 1,942 MW and potential disruptions of up to 2,012 MW, which could leave over 60% of the country without power.
The Nuevitas plant had already experienced frequent breakdowns in recent weeks and was operating unstably. With this new fire, Cuba's energy situation becomes even more precarious, as other key thermoelectric plants—such as those in Felton, Renté, and Cienfuegos—are also reporting malfunctions or undergoing extended maintenance.
So far this year, multiple fires have been reported in Cuban thermoelectric plants, including serious incidents in Cienfuegos, Renté, and the Guiteras plant in Matanzas. These issues are linked to structural deterioration, lack of maintenance, and a shortage of spare parts.
The regime has attempted to justify the outages by citing "fuel shortages," but the underlying causes point to an outdated, poorly managed infrastructure teetering on the brink of technical collapse.
Meanwhile, millions of Cubans continue to endure daily blackouts, water cuts, and failures in basic services, with no real solution in sight. The fire at Diez de Octubre is yet another symbol of the dilapidated state of Cuba's electrical system, which continues to plunge the nation into darkness.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Energy Crisis
What caused the fire at the Nuevitas power plant?
The fire at the Nuevitas power plant was caused by a fire detected in the boiler of Unit 6, leading to an emergency shutdown.
How does this fire impact Cuba's energy situation?
This incident worsens Cuba's energy crisis by removing a major power source from operation, increasing the electricity deficit and leading to more widespread blackouts.
What are the main reasons behind Cuba's power outages?
The power outages in Cuba are largely due to an outdated infrastructure, poor management, structural deterioration, and a lack of maintenance and spare parts.