Unit 1 of the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermal Power Plant, commonly known as Felton, reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN) this Tuesday at 3:19 p.m., after several days of inactivity due to a boiler malfunction.
The news was confirmed by journalist Emilio Rodríguez Pupo through his Facebook account, where he noted that the plant is already supplying 50 MW to the SEN and is continuing to increase its load, with Shift B in operation.
The commissioning of this unit represents a slight relief amidst the severe energy crisis the country is facing.
The thermoelectric plant had gone offline on Saturday, April 19, due to a supposed leak in the boiler, according to the regime.
During the days of inactivity, technicians and specialists carried out steam evacuation, cooling, and damage assessment work in order to access the affected area and carry out the necessary repairs.
The shutdown of Felton exacerbated the already critical energy situation in the country, leading to extended blackouts that, in some regions of the east and center of the island, exceeded 20 hours a day.
Public outrage was swift on social media, where many Cubans expressed their frustration with comments such as: “It's a relay race, one comes in and others go out… it's always like this.”
Despite repeated government announcements regarding scheduled maintenance, investments, and the use of floating generation, the accumulated deterioration of thermoelectric plants —many of which have been in operation for over three decades— continues to highlight the fragility of the National Electric System.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba and the Felton thermoelectric plant
Why is the Felton thermoelectric plant crucial for the Cuban electric system?
The Felton thermoelectric plant is crucial because it contributes a significant amount of energy to Cuba's National Electric System (SEN). Its generation capacity, in optimal conditions, can reach up to 230 MW, which is vital to alleviate the energy deficit the country is facing. However, constant breakdowns have revealed the vulnerability of the Cuban electrical system.
What has triggered Felton's recent departure from the National Electric System?
The recent departure of Felton from the National Electric System was due to a leak in the boiler, which is yet another example of the ongoing technical failures affecting the plant. The issues in the thermoelectric plants, many of which have been in operation for over 30 years, reflect the lack of proper maintenance and the ineffective management of the Cuban government.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts daily life, as prolonged and frequent blackouts have disrupted the daily activities of millions of Cubans, causing frustration and social discontent. These power outages affect everything from basic services to work and education, intensifying the population's sense of hopelessness.
What measures has the government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced scheduled maintenance at thermal power plants and the use of floating generation as measures to address the energy crisis. However, these actions have been insufficient to stabilize the electricity supply, due to the accumulated deterioration of the infrastructure and the lack of resources.
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