The Cuban comedian Reuel Remedios, famous for his character Lindoro Incapaz, has humorously uncovered the ultimate explanation for one of Cuba's most perplexing enigmas: why the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant seems to come and go from the national grid as if it had its own schedule. His conclusion is as simple as it is undeniable.
In a one-minute Facebook reel, Lindoro kicks off with a bold statement: "I don't want to hear any more arguments about the Guiteras, okay?" He humorously suggests that Cubans argue so much because "they lack so many things that when they win an argument, they at least feel like they have something—at least they have a point." This witty remark captures the essence of the national spirit in just a few words.
But the real revelation follows. Lindoro settles the debate with a logic that, in his view, explains everything: "The Guiteras is foreign... Listen, the Guiteras is American, that's why it stays abroad." He adds with a chuckle, "It just comes by occasionally to say hi to the family and then leaves." Mystery solved. Case closed.
The Underlying Truth Behind the Comedy
The metaphor is painfully accurate. Located in Matanzas, the Guiteras is Cuba's largest power plant, boasting a capacity of 330 MW. It was disconnected from the National Electric System for the sixteenth time on June 24, 2026, just two days after reconnecting on the 22nd. It came, greeted the family, and left—just as Lindoro quipped.
The latest breakdown was due to a water loss in the boiler, occurring while the plant was supplying 250 MW to the grid. By June 26, technicians were cutting and welding three damaged pipes in the economizer, a component that had accumulated nearly 300 hours of downtime from January to the end of May. Plant director Román Pérez Castañeda admitted that a comprehensive overhaul would require at least 180 days of downtime, but "the country's current situation doesn't allow for it."
Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy had promised this much-needed maintenance for the end of 2025, postponed it in December citing "circumstantial problems," and once again announced it in April 2026 without a specific date. The Guiteras has been in operation for over 38 years without receiving this major maintenance since 2010. Meanwhile, temporary fixes pile up: previous repairs included checking 544 weld seams, repairing 172, and measuring thickness at over 850 points.
The Broader Crisis and Its Impact
Lindoro's jest is set against a backdrop of serious issues. On June 25, Cuba recorded a record-breaking electricity deficit of 2,208 MW, surpassing the previous high of 2,174 MW on May 14. Havana experienced a complete blackout for 24 hours on Thursday, June 25. Communities in Matanzas endured 85 consecutive hours without power. Additionally, 106 distributed generation plants remain offline due to fuel shortages, translating to 890 MW unavailable.
This dire situation has sparked a wave of protests. The Cuban Conflict Observatory reported 1,311 protest actions in May 2026, the highest monthly number ever recorded. The scenes include banging pots in Santiago de Cuba, protests in Havana's Vedado neighborhood met with police response, and internet blackouts in protest zones.
Commenters on Lindoro's video embraced the joke with the same resignation that characterizes Cubans who "at least have a point." One noted that the comedian's explanation seemed more logical than any official statement. Another humorously suggested that if the Guiteras is American, perhaps a visa should be required to make it stay longer.
Experts estimate that restoring Cuba's electrical system would demand an investment of between $8 billion and $10 billion and three to five years of work. Until then, the Guiteras will remain, as Lindoro says, that distant relative who visits, has coffee, and vanishes before anyone can ask them to stay longer.
Understanding the Challenges of the Cuban Power Crisis
Why does the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant frequently disconnect from the grid?
The frequent disconnections are mainly due to technical issues such as water loss in the boiler and damaged pipes, which require constant repairs. Additionally, the plant has not undergone comprehensive maintenance in many years.
What factors contributed to Cuba's record-breaking electricity deficit?
The electricity deficit was caused by multiple factors, including the disconnection of major power plants like the Guiteras, fuel shortages affecting distributed generation, and an outdated electrical infrastructure requiring significant investment.
How have Cuban citizens reacted to the ongoing power issues?
The power crisis has led to widespread protests and demonstrations across Cuba, with citizens expressing their frustrations through various forms of public dissent, including banging pots and participating in street protests.