Cuba has postponed the scheduled maintenance of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas, as halting the facility would exacerbate the already unstable national power grid, which is plagued by daily blackouts and generation shortfalls.
State-affiliated journalist José Miguel Solís shared on Facebook that, in line with the current state of the national electricity system and industry trends, the technical shutdown of the plant will be delayed for at least 48 hours.
He explained that despite a significant water leak in the boiler, the plant continues to generate 120 megawatts.
The plant's technical deputy director, Engineer Román Pérez Castañeda, remarked that despite the malfunction, operations could continue within the new timeframe while also refining the details of the critical maintenance path.
Earlier, the Antonio Guiteras power plant had announced on its official Facebook page that it was ready to begin the planned four-day shutdown as soon as the national electrical system's conditions and coordination with MINEM, UNE, and the National Load Dispatch allowed.
The technical statement specified that the main reason for the intervention is the high water consumption due to a leak in a high-pressure line, with over 500 activities planned, including valve repairs, condenser cleaning, and maintenance of automatic, electrical, and combustion systems.
The plant's management confirmed having sufficient water for cooling, available technical equipment, enhanced safety measures, and even a fire brigade on standby for any emergencies.
Nevertheless, the maintenance was temporarily suspended. The underlying reason is straightforward: the country cannot afford to lose the 120 megawatts provided by the Guiteras, an aging unit that has been a linchpin for the national electrical system for years.
In recent months, the plant has experienced multiple breakdowns, unexpected shutdowns, and leaks, leading to frequent operational disruptions.
Days ago, the unit was partially stopped for part replacement work after a series of failures highlighted its structural deterioration.
Authorities stated that intervention was crucial to prevent more significant damage, although the full maintenance was deferred due to the network's instability.
Shortly thereafter, another breakdown took the Guiteras offline again, forcing the redistribution of load among less efficient units and increasing power outages nationwide.
This pattern of recurring failures underscores the regime's inability to maintain a plant that, despite its age, remains one of the country's primary power sources.
Common Questions about Cuba's Electrical System Challenges
Why was the maintenance of the Guiteras plant postponed?
The maintenance was postponed because stopping the plant would worsen the already precarious national power grid, which suffers from frequent blackouts and generation deficits.
What issues is the Guiteras plant currently facing?
The Guiteras plant is dealing with a significant water leak in the boiler, frequent breakdowns, and structural deterioration, all of which have led to operational disruptions.
How has the delay in maintenance affected Cuba's power supply?
The delay in maintenance has forced the country to continue depending on the Guiteras plant's output, as it remains a critical power source. This dependency highlights the fragility of Cuba's power infrastructure.