The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has acknowledged that the period from September to December could see multiple thermoelectric units undergoing maintenance or experiencing breakdowns. This situation might exacerbate the power outages in Cuba despite the seasonal decrease in demand anticipated by the company.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UNE outlined plans for corrective maintenance across various blocks of the National Electric System (SEN) over these four months. The company cautioned that several units might simultaneously face maintenance or breakdowns due to unresolved tasks and accumulated technical issues.
Although UNE did not explicitly state that power outages will become more frequent, it did acknowledge that there will be reduced thermal generation capacity availability during these maintenance activities.
The company hopes to partially offset this by relying on a seasonal reduction in electricity demand during the winter months. This expectation highlights the government's continued dependence on natural and seasonal factors to cope with its inability to ensure a consistent recovery in power generation.
UNE claims this reduction in consumption will provide a broader "operational window" to carry out maintenance and rectify defects in the units. Additionally, preparations will continue for major maintenance at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant and for restoring another block currently out of service.
Once again, UNE has attributed some of the challenges in repairing the plants to the tightened U.S. sanctions, asserting that financial restrictions have made it difficult to procure necessary parts and materials.
However, the company itself admitted that resource shortages "have resulted in certain breakdowns and defects that should have been permanently resolved remaining unresolved or reoccurring repeatedly."
The announcement sparked strong reactions among Cubans who are already enduring extended power cuts, especially given that the company offers no hope for improvement.
Darel Rochiel Robinson, a designer residing in Havana, expressed his reaction with a pointed question: "If UNE says power outages could worsen from September to December, then what on earth are we living through? A movie trailer?"
The official UNE publication also drew numerous critical comments. One person remarked, "What a tongue-twister to say things will stay the same or get worse." Another summed it up: "In the end... we'll keep having flickering lights," while a third comment humorously suggested, "Brace yourselves, we're in for a bumpy ride..."
Critics also questioned why authorities present the months of lower demand as an opportunity to repair the thermoelectric plants after years of neglect.
"In summary, we'll continue with the same power outages in winter, a truly encouraging piece of news for a populace that's been suffering for years," one user noted.
The situation at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant exemplifies much of the deterioration and accumulated issues affecting Cuba's thermal generation.
The country's primary generation unit continued operating through the summer despite needing extensive repairs, as its shutdown could have further worsened the SEN's deficit.
Plant executives have admitted that it requires a major overhaul lasting at least 180 days, with the last such intervention having taken place in 2010. Additionally, the Guiteras plant suffered recurrent breakdowns during 2026. By late June, it was preparing for its 16th shutdown of the year, having undergone partial repairs without the comprehensive intervention it desperately needs.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
Why is the Cuban Electric Union anticipating more power outages?
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) anticipates more power outages due to multiple thermoelectric units undergoing maintenance or experiencing technical issues from September to December, despite a seasonal reduction in demand.
How does UNE plan to manage the power crisis?
UNE hopes to manage the power crisis by taking advantage of reduced electricity demand during the winter months to perform maintenance and repair tasks, although this approach heavily relies on natural and seasonal factors.
What challenges are faced in repairing Cuba's power plants?
The challenges in repairing Cuba's power plants include resource shortages attributed to U.S. sanctions, which have made it difficult to obtain necessary parts, and accumulated technical problems that remain unresolved due to lack of resources.