The energy crisis in Cuba continues to keep the population on edge, as they endure frequent and prolonged blackouts on a daily basis, such as the one this Saturday, which exceeded previous estimates and reached 1,550 megawatts (MW).
The situation presented by the national electric power system (SEN) remains bleak, with nine thermal power units out of service, as has frequently occurred during periods of "continuity" in the country.
In this context, the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) reported that during the peak hour this Sunday, "a capacity of 1,840 MW is expected with a maximum demand of 2,980 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,140 MW. If the expected conditions persist, a shortfall of 1,230 MW is forecast for this period."
Although the director of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant announced last Thursday that his workers were “doubling efforts to resume operations this Saturday,” the fact is that the largest power plant in the country did not sync with the National Electric System (SEN). However, the UNE stated on its social media that it will do so this Sunday.
La Guiteras, in continuous operation for 37 years, halted its operations last Tuesday for repairs, exacerbating the energy crisis in the country. Its director, Rubén Campos Olmos, explained that maintenance, expected to be completed within 96 hours, encountered unforeseen issues such as an excess of ash and severe fouling on the heat exchange surfaces.
Despite this, he assured that the specialized workers from the Electric Power Plant Maintenance Company, supported by a budget exceeding 15 million pesos, were working against the clock to meet the deadline; a goal they ultimately did not achieve, which has now been postponed to peak hours this Sunday.
In addition to the Guiteras, the following units are currently out of service: Unit 5 of the Mariel thermal power plant, Unit 5 of the Nuevitas plant, Unit 2 of the Felton plant, and Unit 3 of the Antonio Maceo plant. Maintenance is being conducted on Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz plant, Units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos plant, and Unit 5 of the Renté plant.
The discomfort of Cubans regarding the energy crisis was perfectly articulated this Sunday by a comment from a user on UNE's Facebook: "If electricity could be generated from the frustrations of Cubans, we would power the entire planet."
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