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The new breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas has triggered a wave of outrage on social media, where thousands of Cubans are denouncing the daily suffering of living with endless blackouts, water shortages, spoiled food, and a government that fails to provide answers.
Let them resign and hand over the country, anyone can move it forward except for them," demanded an internet user, reflecting the frustration that has become a national cry.
The comments reveal a country on the brink. "Every day it is shown that the incompetence of the rulers knows no bounds... It cannot be that every day the thermoelectric plants break down. Or is it that they don't want to admit that everything is due to a lack of fuel?" another user questioned, outraged by what he perceives as a deliberate manipulation of information.
The accounts of Cubans are the same throughout the national territory. They claim they are enduring entire days and nights without electricity, with children and the elderly enduring high temperatures. The few food items that can be found quickly spoil. Daily life is paralyzed.
In Cienfuegos, there are areas that have been without electricity for 36 hours. "Until when? There are children, bedridden elderly, and food spoiling. There is no water. What more do we have to endure?", wrote a user, denouncing what she deems "a lack of respect and consideration."
In Matanzas, the situation is not any better. "With the Guiteras or without it, we continue to be without electricity for 16 to 20 consecutive hours. This is a total disaster," reported another affected individual.
The discomfort has escalated to the point where many are calling for the entire system to be shut down at once. "Just shut them all down, since they only leave a bit of energy for their own use, and what about the rest of us?" wrote one user, while another added: "We can declare ourselves in the primitive community".
Another breakdown at Guiteras: The story of an announced collapse
Unión Eléctrica (UNE) confirmed this Tuesday that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant experienced a new breakdown around nine in the morning, due to a leak detected in the boiler.
"The state-owned company indicated on its social media that 96 hours are estimated for its reinstallation into the SEN, which means that the block will be out of service for at least four days."
This is the second major breakdown in less than ten days. The plant had gone out of service on Sunday, July 20, due to a significant malfunction, and although a repair time of 72 hours was estimated, it did not return to the National Electrical System until the early hours of Friday, July 25.
La Guiteras is the largest electric generation unit in the country, with a capacity of over 200 megawatts, so its outage represents a significant loss for a system already collapsed by fuel shortages and issues at other plants like Energás.
The Matanzas CTE has reported at least three serious failures just in the month of July, not including the previous interruptions that have occurred this year. The persistence of these breakages, along with the authorities' lack of transparency, increases citizens' suspicion that the situation is not only critical but also unsustainable.
"For months, they talked about how we would see improvements in the summer, but it was all just a tale. What we are experiencing is dire, and we still have no solutions," lamented a Cuban on social media.
As the crisis deepens, the consensus among Cubans regarding the Government also grows, as they claim that the authorities have lost all ability to respond and credibility in the face of an energy situation that has been dragging the country toward the abyss for more than three years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant
Why is the Antonio Guiteras power plant crucial for Cuba's electrical system?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant is the largest electricity generation unit in the country, with a capacity exceeding 200 megawatts. Its operation is crucial for the National Electric System (SEN) because its output represents a significant loss for a system already collapsed due to fuel shortages and problems at other plants. The poor condition of this thermoelectric plant has led to a series of prolonged blackouts that impact the daily lives of Cubans.
What are the main criticisms of the Cuban population towards the government regarding blackouts?
The Cuban population criticizes the government for its ineptitude and lack of transparency in managing the energy crisis. Citizens complain about the lack of concrete solutions and the perception of favoritism towards Havana in the distribution of electricity. Additionally, there is significant discontent over broken promises regarding improvements in the electrical system and the lack of investments in energy infrastructure.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans, as prolonged blackouts disrupt the water supply, food preservation, and the operation of appliances. This causes food to spoil and makes cooking and access to drinking water more difficult. Furthermore, the lack of electricity affects the health of the elderly and the sick, creating an atmosphere of hopelessness and social exhaustion.
What solutions does the Cuban government propose for the electrical system crisis?
The Cuban government has promised investments to restore capacity and modernize infrastructures, as well as the purchase of mobile generation units. However, these promises have been met with skepticism by the public due to the lack of tangible results and the perception that these measures are insufficient to address the structural crisis of the energy system.
Why is there skepticism about the repairs at the Guiteras thermoelectric plant?
Skepticism about the repairs at the Guiteras thermoelectric plant stems from its history of frequent breakdowns and unfulfilled promises. Despite official announcements regarding repairs and maintenance, the plant has repeatedly gone offline due to technical issues. This has created widespread distrust in the figures and timelines provided by the authorities.
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