A massive blackout is affecting several Cuban provinces the night of this Thursday due to a failure recorded at the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermal Power Plant, known as Felton, located in Holguín.
According to a brief statement from the Electric Union, the incident occurred at 7:33 PM when Unit 1 of the plant automatically tripped, halting its operation.
The disruption at the power plant led to a significant reduction in energy generation, resulting in power outages in multiple regions of the country.
Blackouts in Cuba: Energy Crisis and Failures in Thermal Power Plants
The Felton Thermoelectric Power Plant has faced multiple outages from the National Electric System (SEN) throughout 2024, with notable incidents such as in October, when Unit 1 was taken offline for an urgent 10-day maintenance focused on the boiler. In May, the same unit was out of operation for 25 days due to scheduled maintenance. Additionally, in August, the plant was once again disconnected from the system due to a "puncture" in the boiler, with no details provided regarding the time needed for repairs.
The recent massive blackout on December 6, caused by a failure at the Felton Thermal Power Plant, highlights the fragility of the Cuban electrical system. According to the Electric Union, the automatic shutdown of Block 1 at Felton at 7:33 PM left several provinces in the country without electricity.
This incident is not isolated. On December 4th, the country faced a total collapse of the National Electric System due to an unexpected outage at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, located in Matanzas. This third collapse in less than two months reflects the structural deterioration of the system and the government's inability to ensure a stable electricity supply.
Additionally, on December 2, municipalities in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo experienced power outages due to a fault in the 110 kV line in Renté. This incident adds to a series of prolonged blackouts that are seriously impacting the daily lives of Cubans.
On social media, citizens have expressed their frustration over what they perceive as an energy emergency. The lack of effective solutions, combined with the government's unfulfilled promises, intensifies social discontent and highlights the need for a change in the management of the electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of blackouts in Cuba?
The main cause of blackouts in Cuba is the fragility of the national electrical system, exacerbated by frequent breakdowns in thermal power plants and poor governmental management. Inadequate maintenance and a lack of resources have resulted in a prolonged energy crisis.
What impact does the failure at the Felton thermoelectric plant have on the electricity supply?
The failure at the Felton thermoelectric plant has caused a significant reduction in energy generation, leading to massive blackouts in several provinces of Cuba. This situation is recurring due to constant breakdowns and insufficient maintenance of the facility.
How do Cubans react to the ongoing power outages?
Cubans express their frustration and discontent mainly through social media, where they criticize the lack of effective solutions and the government's unmet promises. This unrest has intensified due to the regime's inability to ensure a stable electricity supply.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented maintenance work on the thermoelectric plants and rotational electricity cuts as measures to confront the energy crisis. However, these actions have not managed to stabilize the electricity supply, leaving the population without a long-term solution.
What is expected for the future of the electrical system in Cuba?
The future of the electrical system in Cuba is uncertain, as constant breakdowns, inadequate maintenance, and ineffective government management indicate that the energy crisis will persist in the short term. The situation calls for a significant change in management and infrastructure to improve the electric supply.
Filed under: