Just two days after reconnecting to the National Electric System (SEN), the Antonio Guiteras power plant has faced new challenges, prompting a reduction in its output due to boiler issues. Journalist José Miguel Solís shared on Facebook that the plant had recently reached 250 MW on Saturday night, but was forced to reduce its output on Sunday.
According to Jorge Gómez Sánchez, the plant's production deputy director, a critical issue in the boiler was resolved—a process that is both complex and risky, requiring significant expertise. As a precaution, the unit will operate at 225 MW until a further inspection, scheduled for the morning, determines if an increase in power is feasible.
The continuous disruptions at the Guiteras plant, one of Cuba's principal electricity generation sources, highlight the fragile nature of the national energy system and the urgent need for structural solutions. On a day when electricity service disruptions began at 6:36 a.m., the Electric Union (UNE) forecasts a peak-hour shortfall of 1,372 MW.
In addition to Guiteras's limitations, six other units are offline due to failures or maintenance, and 56 generation plants are out of service due to fuel shortages, affecting 350 MW. The Guiteras plant was synchronized with the SEN on Friday at 9:06 a.m. following several days of repairs and testing after disconnecting on February 4.
Conflicting reports from authorities regarding the outage's causes and repair status have fueled public distrust and concern. Initially, the UNE reported that Guiteras had been taken offline without an identified cause, later revising its statement to cite "electrical supply failures at a nearby substation" as the reason.
Meanwhile, the public continues to endure prolonged blackouts and hears recovery forecasts that only deepen perceptions of erratic and opaque management.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuba's Power System
What are the recent issues faced by the Antonio Guiteras power plant?
The Antonio Guiteras power plant recently had to reduce its power output due to complications with its boiler, occurring just 48 hours after rejoining the National Electric System.
How is the Cuban energy system affected by these power plant issues?
These issues at the Guiteras plant, along with other unit failures and fuel shortages, contribute to the vulnerability of Cuba's energy system and result in significant electricity shortfalls, especially during peak hours.
What actions are being taken to address the power plant's problems?
The plant is currently operating at a reduced capacity of 225 MW while a more thorough inspection is scheduled to determine if the power output can be safely increased.
What has been the public reaction to the power plant's operational issues?
The public has expressed distrust and concern over the conflicting reports from authorities concerning the causes and progress of repairs, exacerbated by ongoing power outages and unclear recovery forecasts.