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Unit 1 of the Lidio Ramón Pérez thermoelectric plant, located in Felton, Mayarí, has once again gone offline from the National Electric System (SEN) due to a leak in the boiler.
Amid the energy crisis in Cuba, the official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso stated on that the unit is out of service and apparently the impact will last for several days.
"The plant has initiated a cooling process in order to address the breakdown in the coming days," the reporter stated.
Although the plant was able to synchronize with the National Electric System again on March 1, the contribution of 230 MW is not enough to alleviate the energy deficit the country is facing, which exceeds 1,600 MW during peak hours, according to the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE).
The energy crisis persists as several plants remain out of service due to technical failures.
The Felton power plant has faced repeated breakdowns in recent months, particularly in 2025, when Unit 1 experienced several disconnections.
Among the most recent incidents are:
On January 30, 2025, when the unit was taken out of the system for a scheduled maintenance of ten days.
On February 7, 2025, when the unit resumed its operation following that maintenance.
On February 11, 2025, a new malfunction in the cooling system forced its immediate exit from the National Electric System.
On February 17, 2025, after the turbine cooled down, repairs on the internal components of the generator began.
On February 26, 2025, the UNE announced that the unit would be ready to restart operations on February 27, although it later retracted this forecast to avoid "false expectations."
Despite the plant's reintegration into the system, the Cuban population continues to face frequent and prolonged power outages.
The lack of detailed information regarding the exact cause of the breakdowns in Felton, along with the limited transparency in the proposed solutions, continues to fuel discontent and despair among the citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Breakdowns at the Felton Thermoelectric Plant in Cuba
Why does the Felton thermoelectric plant frequently go offline from the National Electric System?
The Felton thermoelectric plant faces constant failures in its boiler and cooling systems, which has resulted in multiple disconnections from the National Electric System (SEN). The lack of proper maintenance and resources has contributed to this situation, worsening the energy crisis in Cuba.
What is the impact of the outages at Felton on Cuba's electricity supply?
Breakdowns at the Felton thermoelectric plant are causing massive blackouts in several provinces of Cuba, as the plant is one of the main sources of electricity generation in the country. Its removal from the National Electric System significantly reduces generation capacity, worsening the energy crisis the country is already facing.
How has the Cuban government responded to the energy crisis and the failures at Felton?
The Cuban government has implemented maintenance work on thermal power plants and rotating electricity cuts as measures to address the energy crisis. However, these actions have not managed to stabilize the electricity supply, leaving the population without a long-term solution and increasing social discontent.
What is expected for the future of the Felton thermoelectric plant and the electrical system in Cuba?
The future of the Felton thermoelectric plant and the electrical system in Cuba is uncertain, as constant outages, lack of proper maintenance, and ineffective government management suggest that the energy crisis will continue in the short term. A significant change in management and infrastructure is required to improve the electricity supply.
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