The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant (CTE), the largest generating unit in the country, remains out of service, despite authorities informing on Friday afternoon that the breakdown which took it offline from the National Electric System (SEN) had been repaired hours earlier.
According to the official journalist José Miguel Solís, who confirmed it in a social media post shortly before midnight, the start-up process could not be completed due to a new technical failure.
“During the startup process, there was a malfunction in one of the feed pumps,” said Solís, quoting the plant's technical director, engineer Román Pérez Castañeda.
"The new breakdown will take us between six to eight hours," the executive added.
This contradicts the previous version provided by the Electric Union (UNE), which stated that the original malfunction, a failure in the drive group of the alternating current motor of the Regenerative Air Heater, had already been resolved, and that the unit would be reintroduced to the National Electric System during the early morning hours.
A critical energy situation
The shutdown of the Guiteras this Friday left the country in an even more precarious energy situation, with a deficit that approaches the collapse of the electrical system.
Although the authorities rushed to announce a successful repair, the new breakdown reveals the extreme technical and operational fragility of the Cuban energy infrastructure, which dangerously relies on aging plants.
In his publication, Solís highlighted the dedication of the plant's technical team, which stayed on-site throughout the night, but refrained from providing an accurate forecast on when the unit would finally be able to synchronize with the SEN.
When will the Guiteras generate again?
As of the close of this report, the CTE Antonio Guiteras has not been reconnected to the country's electrical system, and there is no specific time for its return.
The combination of informational imprecision and successive failures at the plant reveals a pattern of recurring technical collapses that continues to severely affect the Cuban population, subjected to prolonged and widespread blackouts.
The population took to the streets during the blackouts on Wednesday to protest in the east, in Santiago de Cuba and Bayamo. Protests also occurred this Friday night in Bayamo and spread to Cienfuegos, in the center of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why is the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant still out of service?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant remains out of service due to a new technical failure. Although the original malfunction in the Regenerative Air Heater was repaired, a failure in one of the feed pumps prevented its restart. This incident highlights the technical fragility of the plant, which relies on aging infrastructure and suffers from recurrent failures.
What is the impact of the shutdown of the Guiteras thermoelectric plant on the Cuban electrical system?
The shutdown of the Guiteras thermoelectric plant worsens the Cuban energy crisis, causing a deficit close to the collapse of the electrical system. The plant is the largest generating unit in the country, and its disconnection increases prolonged and widespread blackouts, severely impacting the population. The situation is critical, with a deficit exceeding 1,500 megawatts, which heightens social discontent and protests.
What measures are being taken to address the malfunctions at the Guiteras thermoelectric plant?
The Cuban government has promised to carry out immediate repairs and has qualified technical personnel to address the breakdowns. However, the solutions have been insufficient, as the plant continues to face recurring technical issues. Additionally, partial maintenance has been scheduled to review and adjust auxiliary equipment, but the outdated infrastructure and lack of investment hinder a definitive solution.
What history of breakdowns has the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant had?
Since 2022, the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant has experienced multiple disconnections from the National Electric System (SEN) due to issues with its boiler. These breakdowns are frequent and have significantly impacted the stability of electricity supply in Cuba. Notable incidents include a total disconnection in October 2024 and several disconnections in 2025 due to problems with the regenerative air heater and control valves.
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