The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant, the most important plant in the country, was disconnected from the National Electric System (SEN) this Monday to undergo "scheduled maintenance," according to the government.
Maintenance occurs after days of "fewer blackouts" due to May 1st, set against a backdrop of fuel shortages and the extreme deterioration of Cuba's energy infrastructure.
The Electric Union (UNE) confirmed the shutdown of Guiteras at 8:15 in the morning, despite the system's availability not meeting the national demand. The maintenance will last for at least five days, which anticipates a week of severe blackouts across the country.
Light maintenance
The pro-government journalist José Miguel Solís stated that it is a "light maintenance" at the thermal power plant "with the aim of increasing generation capacity and reintegrating into the system next Saturday."
"The engineer Román Pérez Castañeda, technical director, stated that more than 600 corrective actions will be undertaken, primarily in the boiler, where the issue with the high reheater will be rectified, which had been causing water consumption exceeding fifty cubic meters per hour, alongside the cleaning of the convective and radiant shafts and the regenerative air heaters," specifies Solís's post.
Valves in the turbine and the feed water pumps will also be involved. The work will include brigades from the Electric Power Maintenance Company of Felton, Havana, and Santa Cruz del Norte.
Critical deficit and widespread blackouts
In its official note this Monday, the UNE forecasted a generation deficit of 1,680 megawatts (MW) in the evening, with a availability of only 1,790 MW against a demand of 3,400 MW.
The outage began in the early morning and will continue throughout the day, repeating the pattern from Sunday when power cuts were reported for 24 hours, peaking at 1,450 MW affected at 8:50 PM.
A key center in crisis
The Antonio Guiteras, located in Matanzas, is considered the backbone of thermal generation in Cuba. According to the government, in 2024, it managed to remain operational for 323 days, achieving a production of over 1.8 million megawatt-hours, despite its apparent technical limitations.
In January, Cuban authorities announced that the Guiteras would undergo maintenance "at the end of 2025". It was planned as its "first in-depth inspection" in years.
However, Solís reported on Monday that this major project is postponed.
"Regarding the awaited capital maintenance that would put the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant in Matanzas in better condition, the specialist announced that the financing is secured and coordination is underway with suppliers to carry it out during the first quarter of next year," said the journalist.
System in permanent risk
La Guiteras has been operating with Cuban oil since 2002. It is considered one of the most efficient plants in the country, with a specific consumption of 238 grams per kilowatt hour.
Its stability has been precarious, with unforeseen outages leading to massive blackouts, as happened in October and December 2024, when its disconnection caused total collapses of the National Electric System (SEN).
Meanwhile, the energy production from the nine photovoltaic solar parks barely exceeds 900 MWh, which is insufficient to meet the growing demand.
The shutdown of the Guiteras not only drastically reduces the operational capacity of the system but also leaves the country at the mercy of prolonged and widespread blackouts, amid one of the worst economic and energy crises in its recent history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why did the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant leave the National Electric System?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant has been removed from the National Electric System for urgent maintenance, according to the Cuban government. This maintenance is crucial due to the technical limitations of the plant and its importance to the country's electrical system. Furthermore, the Guiteras has experienced unexpected outages and recurring breakdowns, highlighting the vulnerability of the Cuban electrical system.
What is the impact of the Antonio Guiteras disconnection on Cuba's electricity supply?
The disconnection of the Antonio Guiteras leads to a drastic reduction in the operational capacity of the Cuban electrical system, resulting in prolonged and widespread blackouts. With a generation deficit of 1,680 MW and an availability of only 1,790 MW against a demand of 3,400 MW, the country faces a week of severe blackouts, impacting both the population and productive sectors.
What recurring problems does the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant face?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant is facing recurring issues with its boiler, which has led to multiple disconnections from the National Electric System. These breakdowns are a constant issue due to the prolonged operating time and the deterioration of its facilities, which exacerbates the energy crisis in Cuba and results in frequent and extended blackouts.
What are the prospects for improvement for the Cuban electrical system?
The improvement of the Cuban electric system depends on more rigorous maintenance and investments in infrastructure, especially in the modernization of plants like Antonio Guiteras. However, the situation is complicated by the scarcity of fuel and economic sanctions that limit the country's ability to make significant investments in the energy sector.
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