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The electrical microsystem of Granma province collapsed again this Thursday, according to the local electric company, which operates on distributed generation.
In a brief note, replicated by the state-run newspaper La Demajagua, the company reported a new failure in the microsystem, without specifying the causes, following the massive blackout that affected the country since Wednesday morning.
“The Electric Company of Granma informs about the outage of the microsystem operating with distributed generation. Immediately, efforts were initiated to restore the service, with the goal of gradually synchronizing it,” the company stated on its official channel on Telegram.
In a later update, the Ministry of Energy and Mines reported on X that the province of Granma –after experiencing a second disconnection– has been reconnected along with Artemisa.
This is the second time that the hybrid electric microsystem has failed in Granma, following the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) that occurred on Wednesday morning, caused by an unexpected shutdown —once again— of the Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas.
The first occurred at 4:58 PM this Wednesday, due to the unexpected shutdown of La Sabana Park caused by cloud cover, as reported by state journalist Jorge Luis Ríos Frías.
The disconnection returned darkness to thousands of families in the eastern province, who had partially regained service after the initial synchronization attempts of the SEN in the morning, reported Cubadebate.
Two hours earlier, the local radio had celebrated that "For the first time in Cuba, electric generation through a 'hybrid microsystem' has been established, which consists of the synchronization of the Photovoltaic Solar Park (PSF) with distributed generation."
Apparently, the anchoring did not work, and the synchronization of the photovoltaic plant lasted only a short time. Authorities have confirmed that restoration efforts have now begun "gradually," although there are no clear timelines.
Cuba began this Thursday in a critical situation: the nationwide blackout had extended into its second consecutive day, leaving thousands without electricity and forced to survive in the dark, without food refrigeration, hospitals under pressure, and digital connectivity virtually paralyzed.
At 7:36 a.m., the Electric Union (UNE) reported that the SEN was beginning to reconnect partially, although entire provinces such as Pinar del Río, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo remained completely in the dark.
Soon after, the province of Santiago de Cuba regained its connection after more than 24 hours without service, as reported by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM).
“The province of Santiago de Cuba is now connected to the Electrical System,” stated the agency in a brief note published on its official X account.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collapse of the Electric Microsystem in Granma
Why did the electrical microsystem in Granma collapse for the second time?
The electrical microsystem in Granma collapsed due to an unexpected shutdown of the Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas, which affected the synchronization of the national electrical system. Additionally, the disconnection of the La Sabana Park due to cloud conditions contributed to the interruption of electrical service.
What caused the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant?
The shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant was caused by a false signal of overheated steam in the boiler, which triggered an automatic disconnection of the thermal unit. This anomaly was one of the main triggers of the electrical system collapse in Cuba.
What are the consequences of blackouts in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba have severe consequences for the population, such as interruptions in access to food, water, and basic services. Furthermore, they generate social unrest and reflect the fragility of the national electrical system, which suffers from a lack of proper maintenance and investment.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government has begun the creation of electrical microsystems to try to ensure service in vital areas such as hospitals and bakeries. However, these measures are seen as temporary fixes that do not address the structural issues of the electrical system.
How does the collapse of the electrical system affect daily life in Cuba?
The collapse of the electrical system in Cuba severely affects daily life, causing prolonged blackouts that hinder food preservation, access to drinking water, and the functioning of essential services. This creates a climate of desperation among the population, who face constant service interruptions.
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