Amid daily blackouts, temperatures exceeding 33 degrees, and an energy crisis that shows no signs of letting up, the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas is preparing for a 72-hour technical shutdown.
The information was confirmed this Wednesday by the official journalist José Miguel Solís, in a post on Facebook that clearly anticipates a worsening of the blackouts.
According to the plant director, Rubén Campos Olmo, the facility, which currently generates 235 MW, needs to repair its high-temperature reheater.
This is an "essential" maintenance, according to their words, which will only be carried out when the availability of the electrical system allows it. This statement raises many questions about the start date.
In other words: the situation is already at its limit, and we must choose between shutting down sooner or collapsing later.
What stands out, and feeds citizen discontent, is the timing chosen: June, the start of summer, with widespread blackouts and no real alternatives for the population.
There is insufficient backup generation, there is no transparency regarding the schedule, and even less so for solutions for families who have been sleepless for days due to the heat and mosquitoes.
As if that weren't enough, the article by the journalist from Matanzas mentions an ambitious desalination plant project, also known as a desalinator, which would allow for the conservation of fresh water and ensure supply for the industry without impacting the population.
But it is made clear immediately: it is awaiting funding. That is to say, it currently does not exist, but it is an old manipulation technique to offer the enraged masses a sort of hope to keep them calm.
Meanwhile, the only certainty is the 72-hour halt, the uncertainty of when it will begin, and the certainty that it will be the ordinary Cubans who will pay the price in sweat, sleeplessness, and darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant
Why is the technical shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant necessary?
The technical shutdown is necessary to repair the high-temperature reheater of the plant, a maintenance task that has been described as "essential" by its director, Rubén Campos Olmo. This maintenance aims to prevent a greater collapse of the electrical system, although it raises uncertainty about its start due to the limited availability of the Cuban electrical system.
When will the technical shutdown of the Guiteras Plant begin?
The start of the 72-hour technical shutdown still does not have a specific date because it depends on the availability of the electrical system. This means that the shutdown will only take place when the system can accommodate the temporary loss of the 235 MW currently supplied by the plant.
How will the technical shutdown of the Guiteras Power Plant affect Cubans?
The technical halt will worsen the blackouts at a critical time, as it takes place in June, the start of summer, when temperatures are high and electricity consumption rises. Without sufficient backup generation, Cubans will face more blackouts, which will disrupt their daily lives, causing discomfort and insomnia due to the heat.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The government mentions projects such as a desalination plant awaiting funding, but these are not yet concrete realities. The situation reflects the lack of investments in energy infrastructure, as the plants are outdated and rely on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, Cubans continue to endure prolonged blackouts.
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