A journalist from Radio 26 in Matanzas took to Facebook this week to celebrate that the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant has remained connected to the National Electric System (SEN) for 30 consecutive days. The headline he used captured his surprise: "30 days online, who would've thought?"
José Miguel Solís, a regular reporter on the Matanzas plant, announced that Guiteras has been operating steadily, producing 190 megawatts (MW) since its last synchronization in early August.
The Plant's Troubled History
The reporter’s astonishment is understandable. The Antonio Guiteras Power Plant, the largest single-unit electricity generator in Cuba, has experienced nearly 20 unscheduled shutdowns so far in 2026.
Originally designed to produce over 300 MW, the plant currently operates at about 270 MW under optimal conditions. However, it has not undergone major maintenance since 2010, according to plant management.
Recent Struggles and "Success"
To grasp the scale of this "achievement," one must consider recent events. On July 17, Guiteras synchronized with the SEN at 4:54 PM and disconnected just 26 minutes later due to a boiler leak. Nine days after that, it went offline again due to economizer issues.
The current synchronization process began on August 3, amid efforts to rebuild the National Electric System following two consecutive collapses. The plant rejoined the SEN during this recovery, and on August 4, following Cuba’s seventh nationwide blackout of 2026, the country recorded a record peak demand shortfall of 2,411 MW.
Future Prospects and Irony
In this context, the fact that Guiteras has been online for a month, generating a fraction of its nominal capacity, is portrayed by Solís as an admirable milestone. The plant's general director, Engineer Román Pérez Castañeda, assured the journalist that "no threats are currently anticipated," with water consumption stable and preparations underway for minor maintenance as soon as the Electric Union decides.
Pérez Castañeda confirmed that the plant has the necessary parts and supplies to repair the turbine and generator, and logistics are being expedited for the other systems. He also noted that major maintenance is still scheduled for the end of the year, aiming to "restore power and stability to the Matanzas block within a period not exceeding 180 days."
This crucial maintenance, urgently needed for years, has been repeatedly delayed due to the country's severe energy crisis.
Public Sentiment and Energy Crisis
Such conditions undermine any celebrations. As of September 2, power generation availability hovered around 990 MW, with demand reaching 3,250 MW, resulting in a deficit of over 2,000 MW. Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged before the National Assembly at the end of July that some communities have gone up to 105 consecutive days without electricity.
For Cubans enduring blackouts lasting more than 20 hours daily, the Guiteras announcement—when on August 16, the plant confirmed it remained online producing 190 MW—was met with the irony it deserved. "It comes and goes, and nothing is felt," one social media user commented. Another painted a vivid picture: "Please, don't overwhelm it; remember it's an old lady with makeup, and every time it gets publicity, the boiler trembles."
In such a scenario, a state media journalist's enthusiastic praise for the country's largest thermoelectric plant running at less than three-quarters of its capacity for a month perfectly encapsulates the dire state of Cuba's energy situation.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why has the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant had so many shutdowns?
The plant has faced nearly 20 unscheduled shutdowns in 2026 due to a lack of major maintenance since 2010 and ongoing operational challenges.
What is the current capacity of the Guiteras Plant?
Under optimal conditions, the plant can generate approximately 270 MW, although it was originally designed to produce over 300 MW.
How has the public reacted to the plant's performance?
The public has responded with irony and skepticism, given the frequent blackouts and the plant's inability to meet its full capacity.