The Electric Union (UNE) announced on Saturday at 2:28 PM that the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant has reconnected to the National Electric System.
Immediately, a flood of sarcasm, countdowns, and bets filled the official announcement from the Cuban public.
This skepticism is not without reason. On Friday, the Guiteras plant managed to remain operational for only 26 minutes before it was shut down again due to a boiler leak, a situation that became a focal point in Saturday’s comments.
Jose Luis García Vázquez sarcastically inquired, "Yesterday it lasted 26 minutes, aiming for a new record today?"
Orlando Dominguez Musacchio was more blunt: "What did they use to patch the boiler this time? Chewing gum or clay?"
The Bets and Countdown Begin
Bets quickly emerged. "100 USD says it won't last until tomorrow," wrote Lissette Alonso.
Fernando Fernández Ruz raised the stakes: "I'm betting 200 to 1 it won't reach 24 hours. Place your bets."
Denebis Gonzalez summed it up with irony: "Come on, break your own 26-minute record."
Countdowns multiplied. "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2... 1. Long live triumphalism," wrote Eliseo A. Seife. Arlettis Izada simply asked, "Tic tac, how long will it last?" Isdel Basulto Cobas urged, "Count the minutes."
Behind the Jokes Lies Frustration
Dark humor found its place as well. Williams Denis Alvarez optimistically commented, "I give it until dawn, because that’s usually when patients in a coma pass away." Habanero Memes was more succinct: "In 20 minutes it’ll break down again."
Beyond the jokes, there's a tiring reality. Leidi Maceda described it bluntly: "After 39 hours without power, it was turned on at noon and already cut off by 2 PM. Block #1, circuit P1242. It doesn't matter that Guiteras is online with 200 MW."
Aleida Pérez Cabrera concluded emphatically: "THE SAME OLD... THOSE WHO WOBBLE DON'T FALL. HOW MUCH LONGER?"
Infrastructure in Decline
The plant, the largest in Cuba and a crucial part of the national electricity system, has experienced at least 17 unplanned outages so far in 2026.
Its boiler economizer has been in continuous operation in a corrosive environment for over 38 years and is responsible for over half of all shutdowns. The facility has not undergone major maintenance since 2010.
The plant's general manager, engineer Román Pérez Castañeda, admitted in June that they lack the necessary parts for extensive repairs, which would involve replacing about 500 tubes, executing between 1,000 and 1,200 welds, and a shutdown of at least 180 days.
Common Concerns About the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant
Why is the Antonio Guiteras power plant frequently shutting down?
The plant has been in continuous operation for over 38 years in a corrosive environment, leading to frequent shutdowns due to its aging infrastructure, particularly the boiler economizer.
What repairs does the plant require?
The plant requires extensive repairs, including replacing around 500 tubes and performing between 1,000 and 1,200 welds, which would necessitate a shutdown of at least 180 days.
How are Cubans reacting to the power plant's issues?
Cubans have responded with skepticism, humor, and frustration, often making sarcastic comments and placing bets on how long the plant will remain operational.