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The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant (CTE), located in Matanzas, was reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN) this Thursday at 3:41 PM, following an unexpected shutdown that occurred the previous day.
According to the newspaper Girón, on its Facebook page, the plant caused the collapse of the SEN, leaving Cuba in near darkness for over 24 hours.
Rubén Campos Olmo, director of the CTE, explained that during the shutdown, approximately 15 technical tasks were carried out, including the cleaning of the regenerative air heaters, the repair of a sealing defect, and adjustments on feed pumps and the forced draft fan.
According to what was stated, with these actions it would not be necessary to carry out the scheduled maintenance shutdown at the end of the month, "provided there is no increase in water consumption," leaving room for doubt and suggesting that, based on the history of the unit block, there will surely need to be another shutdown of the CTE.
In their , the unit block specified that they were stabilizing parameters and "loading continues to increase."
The incorporation of the Guiteras CTE was also confirmed through the social media channels of the Electric Union.
The return of the Guiteras comes after one of the largest blackouts in recent times, the fifth national energy collapse in less than a year and the second so far in 2025, reflecting the fragility of the Cuban electrical system.
Previously, the official journalist José Miguel Solís had reported on Facebook that the "Guiteras" was "running the turbine to stabilize at 3,600 revolutions per minute and attempt to synchronize," a moment he referred to as "the hour of the mameyes."
After the massive collapse, the regime reported that a false signal of overheated steam in the boiler caused the automatic shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, triggering the second massive blackout of the year.
The information was confirmed by the state newspaper Girón, which reported on Facebook that the automatic boiler system was dismantled due to the anomaly, resulting in the disconnection of the thermal unit.
Although the regime announced on Thursday that the SEN has been restored, the truth is that many people are still experiencing a lack of electricity, and therefore, suffering the consequences.
On the other hand, the government has acknowledged that without the Guiteras, Cuba's electrical system cannot achieve "stability."
"Your entry will allow you to stabilize loads and extend electrical coverage throughout the country," emphasized the official Cuban Television.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant and the Cuban Electric System
What caused the recent collapse of the National Electric System in Cuba?
The collapse of the National Electric System was caused by an unexpected outage of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant due to a false signal of overheated steam in the boiler. This anomaly led to the disconnection of the thermal unit, leaving the country in darkness for more than 24 hours.
What are the main causes of frequent failures at the Antonio Guiteras power plant?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant suffers from frequent failures due to its obsolescence and lack of capital maintenance. Issues such as leaks, valve malfunctions, and breakdowns in critical systems are recurring, reflecting the fragility of Cuba's energy infrastructure.
What is the impact of power outages on the Cuban population?
Prolonged blackouts in Cuba severely impact the daily lives of the population, with electricity outages lasting up to 20 hours. This leads to food spoilage, lack of drinking water, and an increase in social unrest, with protests occurring in various regions of the country.
How does the condition of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant affect the Cuban electrical system?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant is a key component in the Cuban electric system due to its generation capacity. Its state of disrepair and frequent outages worsen the national energy deficit, contributing to blackouts and public discontent.
What measures are being taken to improve the energy situation in Cuba?
The Cuban government has attempted to implement "microsystems" to supply specific areas and has conducted corrective maintenance on the Guiteras. However, these measures have not effectively stabilized the electricity supply and the population continues to face prolonged blackouts.
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