The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, Cuba's largest electricity generating facility, is expected to remain offline from the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) for approximately four days. This decision comes after insufficient vacuum was detected in the condenser of its boiler, as reported by the plant’s technical deputy director, engineer Elmer García Romero, on Wednesday.
This malfunction led to the unit's shutdown and the initiation of a cooling process. García Romero highlighted the particular danger of vacuum loss, which poses a risk to the turbine's integrity, prompting the Union Electrica (UNE) to halt operations.
“A thorough inspection of the boiler is necessary. We suspect a malfunction in the high-temperature reheater, which is notably the most deteriorated component,” explained the expert.
The duration of this shutdown will depend on the actual extent of the damage, which is still undetermined. García Romero estimated the repair might take around four days, contingent upon the damage assessment, with maintenance teams from the electric plant maintenance company involved in the process.
Frequent Breakdowns and Maintenance Challenges
This marks the fifth malfunction at the Guiteras plant in October 2026 alone. The facility was taken offline on Tuesday due to low vacuum in the condenser, following previous outages caused by turbine vibrations on October 24, a failure shortly after synchronization on October 20, a leak in the economizer on October 14, and a steam tempering line leak on October 9.
Operating with a single 316 MW generator, any issue at Guiteras results in a complete halt of its power contribution to the SEN. The plant, inaugurated in 1988, has not undergone major maintenance since 2010, accumulating over 38 years of operation. By July 2026, it had experienced at least 17 unscheduled outages that year.
A comprehensive overhaul would require replacing over 500 tubes, executing 1,000 to 1,200 welding seams, and keeping the unit offline for at least 180 days, as acknowledged by UNE officials.
Worsening National Power Crisis
This latest shutdown exacerbates an already dire electricity crisis. On Tuesday, UNE reported only 850 MW available at 06:00 against a demand of 2,250 MW. The peak time forecast anticipated a deficit of 1,960 MW, impacting around 1,990 MW or nearly 69% of the unmet demand.
In addition to Guiteras, units at CTE Mariel, CTE Santa Cruz, CTE Felton, and CTE Renté are also out of service, with thermal limitations totaling 482 MW.
The repercussions are nationwide. In Villa Clara, the Provincial Load Dispatch reported a critical generation availability situation, forcing the disconnection of the 4 kV line's circuit 152. "Currently, only the municipal head's 13 kV circuits are operational, ensuring the hospital and other vital services remain functional," the agency stated.
Thousands of families are enduring prolonged power outages, leading to food spoilage and severe daily hardships, with no improvement in sight as long as the Guiteras plant remains inactive and under assessment.
Impact of Antonio Guiteras Plant Shutdown on Cuba’s Power Grid
What caused the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras plant?
The plant was shut down due to insufficient vacuum in the condenser of its boiler, which poses a risk to the turbine's integrity.
How long is the plant expected to be offline?
The plant is expected to be offline for approximately four days, although this depends on the actual extent of the damage.
What is the impact of the shutdown on Cuba's power supply?
The shutdown worsens an existing electricity crisis, with significant power deficits and widespread outages affecting the nation's power supply.