On Wednesday, Cuba began implementing protocols to restore its National Electric System following a massive blackout that impacted a large portion of the country.
The Electric Union (UNE) announced that recovery operations have commenced with the activation of Energás Boca de Jaruco, a crucial facility for rebooting power generation.
According to the official update, efforts are underway to supply power to unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant to initiate its startup process.
Authorities also stated that unit 1 of the Lidio Ramón Pérez thermoelectric plant, commonly known as Felton, is operational and currently supplying electricity exclusively to the eastern region of the island.
In Las Tunas province, while the electric system is available, substations have yet to be powered, preventing service restoration for consumers.
The UNE highlighted that the recovery of the national electrical system is progressing gradually, following technical protocols aimed at resynchronizing power plants and restoring the country's electric grid.
Vicente de la O Levy, Cuba's Energy and Mines Minister, announced on X that they are working on "restoring the National Electric System amid a complex energy situation. Energás Boca de Jaruco has started up. Felton 1 continues generating."
A New Widespread Blackout in Cuba
This Wednesday, the Electric Union reported that a malfunction at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, Cuba's largest, led to the disconnection of the National Electric System from Camagüey to Pinar del Río.
"There was a disconnection of the National Electric System from Camagüey to Pinar del Río due to the unexpected shutdown of the CTE Antonio Guiteras caused by a boiler leak at 12:41. All protocols for restoring the National Electric System have been activated," the statement noted.
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, Director General of Electricity for the Ministry of Energy and Mines, clarified that the service was interrupted from the western part of Las Tunas to Pinar del Río, while the system remains connected from the eastern part of Las Tunas to Guantánamo.
Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported that the technical incident also disrupted radio and television signals due to issues linked to the power system outage.
Understanding Cuba's Power Grid Challenges
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The blackout was triggered by a malfunction at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, which resulted in the disconnection of the National Electric System from Camagüey to Pinar del Río.
Which areas of Cuba are currently without power?
The power interruption affected regions from the western part of Las Tunas to Pinar del Río, while areas from the eastern part of Las Tunas to Guantánamo remain connected.
What steps are being taken to restore electricity?
Cuban authorities are following technical protocols to gradually resynchronize power plants and restore the national electric grid, beginning with facilities like Energás Boca de Jaruco.