Guiteras Power Plant Nears Synchronization with National Electric Grid

The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, situated in Matanzas, attempted yet another synchronization with the National Electric System (SEN) early Saturday morning after being offline for several days due to new malfunctions. Despite identifying issues in prior tests, plant authorities assured on Friday night that the unit might be operational in the coming hours, although they offered no guarantees of its stability.

Journalist José Miguel Solís reported on Facebook that the plant recently completed a hydraulic test. However, during the process, a leak was discovered in the upper part of the boiler, an area notoriously difficult to access. Although this issue could potentially hinder the restart, the plant's director, Rubén Campos Olmos, expressed confidence that the technical team could commence the startup procedure by dawn.

The process to synchronize Guiteras involves several steps, including closing registers, filling the boiler, ignition, parameter adjustments, and stabilizing the turbine at 3,600 revolutions per minute. "It sounds straightforward, but it will be a night of high adrenaline. If everything goes as planned, the average deficit from previous days could be reduced by around 500 MW, assuming both Felton and the Matanzas plant can increase load and stabilize before peak demand," Solís highlighted in his post.

However, past experiences demonstrate that the reintegration of this plant often proves to be fragile and short-lived. The optimism typical of official communications frequently gives way to further problems and disappointments.

On Friday, the Lidio Ramón Pérez (Felton) power plant reconnected with the SEN after more than a week offline. The boiler ignition process began in the early morning, and by 11:00 am, the plant reported on Facebook that it was generating 44 MW and continuing to increase its load.

Uncertainty and Contradictory Reports Following Guiteras' Last Disconnection

Since Guiteras' most recent disconnection last Sunday, authorities have issued several reports that have only fueled confusion and uncertainty among the public. Initially, it was reported that the plant had disconnected due to an "unidentified cause." Later, the disconnection was attributed to a failure in the power supply to a nearby substation.

These conflicting communications have heightened public distrust in the authorities, who have yet to provide clear explanations or effective solutions to the country's ongoing energy crisis. The lack of precise information and the frequent release of official statements with varying accounts of the malfunctions have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and discontent among citizens.

Furthermore, the Cuban Electrical Union (UNE) has repeatedly revised its forecasts concerning Guiteras' reintegration into the National Electric System (SEN), further compounding the uncertainty. The population, enduring prolonged and recurrent blackouts, perceives these revisions as evidence of the authorities' lack of control and planning over the electricity supply.

The CTE Guiteras has been repeatedly disconnected in recent months. On October 18, 2024, its shutdown caused a widespread blackout across the island. Cuba's electric system continues to rely on outdated thermoelectric plants with increasingly unstable generation capacity. As the government fails to present a structural solution to the crisis, Cubans continue to face prolonged blackouts, uncertainty, and unfulfilled promises regarding the SEN's stability.