The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, located in Matanzas, is scheduled to temporarily go offline for maintenance. This update was shared by state-affiliated journalist José Miguel Solís on Facebook.
Solís reported that on Tuesday, the National Electric System (SEN) is grappling with a shortfall of 1,410 MW during peak demand times, with five units currently offline. By midday, the deficit was down to 850 MW, with hopes to balance the load during the early morning hours.
Currently, the Antonio Guiteras plant is operating at a limited capacity of 200 MW, pending a brief maintenance period. Meanwhile, the Felton thermoelectric plant has rejoined the SEN.
This maintenance effort is part of the Cuban government's ongoing struggle to keep its main power generator operational. The plant's instability has led to repeated blackouts across several provinces.
Officials from the Electric Union (UNE) have previously stated that these maintenance tasks are crucial to preventing more significant failures, particularly with the onset of summer, which brings higher electricity demand.
Last October, a malfunction at the plant caused a complete blackout across the island, leaving over 10 million people without power for days. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of Cuba’s electrical grid and its reliance on outdated infrastructure.
Additionally, fuel shortages and economic sanctions have impeded the country's ability to invest substantially in its energy sector. The frequent outages of the Guiteras plant have exacerbated power cuts nationwide, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans.
These power outages have sparked social unrest and have been the catalyst for protests on multiple occasions. An official local media outlet, Girón, in a photo feature titled "The Rusted Bones of the Guiteras Can No Longer Bear the Weight," metaphorically described the plant as an old, worn body, devoid of strength.
This situation underscores a pressing need to modernize Cuba's energy infrastructure to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply.
FAQs on Cuba's Energy Challenges
What is causing the frequent blackouts in Cuba?
The frequent blackouts are mainly due to the instability and outdated infrastructure of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, coupled with fuel shortages and economic sanctions limiting investment in the energy sector.
How does the maintenance of the Guiteras plant affect the National Electric System?
Maintenance of the Guiteras plant results in temporary shutdowns, which exacerbate the existing power deficit and contribute to power outages, impacting the overall stability of the National Electric System.
Why is upgrading Cuba's energy infrastructure urgent?
Upgrading the infrastructure is urgent to provide a stable and reliable electricity supply, reduce blackouts, and meet the increasing demand, especially during peak times like summer.