The power generation situation in Cuba worsens following the outage of the Guiteras thermoelectric plant due to an "unidentified" malfunction

The energy crisis in Cuba reached a critical point this Sunday with the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE), a situation that has caused alarm among Cubans due to the possibility of a complete collapse of the National Electric System (SEN).

The plant, regarded as one of the most efficient in the country, was disconnected due to an "undetermined malfunction", dramatically worsening a situation that was already unfavorable.

Prior to this incident, on its social media, the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) had reported that the SEN was experiencing a projected deficit of 1,595 MW during peak nighttime hours, with a availability of 1,675 MW against a demand of 3,200 MW.

However, these figures did not take into account the abrupt shutdown of the Guiteras, which had been contributing 250 MW until its disconnection. With this additional loss, the deficit could exceed 1,800 MW, which dramatically increases the likelihood of a total blackout in the country.

The electrical system was already compromised due to failures at the Renté, Felton, Diez de Octubre, and Santa Cruz del Norte plants, as well as maintenance work in Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Felton.

This is compounded by thermal limitations with 189 MW out of service and an impact of 466 MW due to a lack of fuel.

In its report this Sunday, the state-owned company led by Alfredo López Valdés stated that during the previous day, the greatest impact occurred in the central-eastern region, with a national peak of 1,621 MW without service, adding to several days with impacts exceeding 1,500 MW.

The combination of these factors means that the SEN faces a real risk of total collapse if a swift recovery of any of the affected plants is not achieved.

The possibility of a national blackout, similar to those that occurred in 2022 and late 2024, is a persistent concern, as the electrical system operates at the edge of its capacity with increasingly limited margins for maneuver.

The UNE reiterated that it continues to work on the recovery of the SEN, but so far it has not provided a timeline for the reinstatement of the Guiteras or the other affected units.

Meanwhile, the population is facing another day of critical conditions in the electricity supply, with prolonged power outages affecting not only daily life but also the economic and productive activities of the country.