The Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Power Plant, located in the province of Cienfuegos, announced that it is currently in the boiler testing phase as part of the preparatory process before the launch of one of its generating units.
According to the official announcement on their communication channels, the technical teams are verifying the proper functioning of the systems before starting the final operation.
"We are already reaching the goal", the plant announced in an optimistic message accompanied by the institutional hashtag #CienfuegosXMasVictorias.
However, what has caught the public's attention the most is not the technical advance, but the phrase that sets a still uncertain horizon: "Compatriots, we'll see you after April 20, generating electricity for all of Cuba."
The statement has raised doubts and critical comments on social media. “The question I ask is: why do we have to wait until the 20th?”, expressed a user, reflecting the sentiment of many Cubans who are living with daily blackouts and energy shortages in their homes.
Other users, particularly residents of Cienfuegos, expressed their displeasure at what they consider a vague promise in the face of an emergency situation.
"Let them impose blackouts on others, but not on those in Cienfuegos. Enough is enough, we have endured a lot of blackouts," wrote an evidently frustrated internet user.
"You are absolutely right. It’s electricity for all of Cuba... except for Cienfuegos", joked a user.
Among the few comments that emerged after the publication, one of the most straightforward was from a user who questioned the rationale behind the announced technical calendar.
“If you already have the boiler on, why do they have to wait so many days? Just incorporate the unit!”, he stated.
However, the response received from the official CTE account, which sought to calm the criticism, stated that "it is expected because these are tests conducted beforehand to evaluate the entire system; it is a complex process. Rest assured that, just like you, we are eager to synchronize as soon as possible."
Citizen disbelief is not only fueled by the current delay but also by the critical history of this power plant. On January 22, a fire halted operations of unit 4 and worsened the national electricity crisis in the midst of winter.
The incident, attributed to a boiler malfunction and accompanied by a large column of smoke visible from several points in Cienfuegos, highlighted the precarious conditions and risks faced by the Cuban thermoelectric park.
Since then, the unit has been out of service, and the current testing process aims for its reinstatement after nearly three months of inactivity.
Moreover, the national context does not help. According to the latest report from the Electric Union (UNE), Cuba started this week with a deficit of over 1000 MW, which translates into extended blackouts across all provinces.
The causes mentioned were the lack of fuel, out-of-service plants, and increasingly deteriorating infrastructure. National thermal generation continues to be insufficient, and short-term solutions seem to be exhausted.
In that context, the announcement from CTE Céspedes, lacking technical details, without a clear synchronization date, and filled with vague promises, seems disconnected from the real urgency that the population is experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant
Why hasn't the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermal Power Plant generated electricity before April 20?
The Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermal Power Plant is currently in the boiler testing phase, which is a preliminary process before starting its generating units. These tests are necessary to verify the proper functioning of the systems before the final operation, which means there will be a wait until April 20 to begin generating electricity.
What critical issues has the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant faced?
The thermoelectric plant has faced numerous issues, including a fire in January 2025 that severely damaged its facilities. These problems have highlighted the precarious conditions and risks of the Cuban thermoelectric park, which has contributed to the energy crisis in the country. Since then, the plant has been undergoing repair and maintenance processes, complicating its regular operation.
What is the impact of the issues at the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant on Cuba's energy crisis?
The energy crisis in Cuba has been exacerbated by breakdowns and prolonged maintenance of the Cienfuegos thermoelectric plant. The lack of sufficient generation and the deterioration of the infrastructure have led to prolonged blackouts across the country, severely affecting the daily lives of citizens. The situation is further complicated by the lack of fuel and the instability of the national electrical system.
What challenges does the electricity generation sector in Cuba currently face?
Cuba faces a significant deficit in electricity generation due to a lack of fuel, maintenance issues, and breakdowns at several thermal power plants, including the one in Cienfuegos. The national thermal generation is insufficient to meet demand, resulting in prolonged blackouts across all provinces. Additionally, the electrical infrastructure is deteriorated, exacerbating the energy crisis in the country.
Filed under: