The General Director of the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE), Alfredo López Valdés, confirmed that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, located in Matanzas, will be out of operation at the end of this year for a major maintenance period of six months.
During his intervention in the government-aligned program Mesa Redonda, López Valdés pointed out the main causes of the current problems as the “accumulated lack of maintenance” and the “lack of regulation” of the electrical system.
For this reason, he announced that the maintenance plan will have a “large scope” and will be crucial for extending the plant's lifespan.
The decision comes after repeated failures that have left the country in widespread blackouts and exposed the fragility of the National Electric System.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, explained that the cause of the most recent unexpected shutdown of the Guiteras is under investigation, while highlighting the efforts of UNE workers in the partial restoration of electric service following the national blackout. He also assured that no power plant was damaged as a result of the outage.
The shutdown of the Guiteras, the largest thermoelectric power plant in the country, represents a severe blow to the already precarious electricity generation on the island.
Experts point out that, without this plant in operation, the grid will rely on smaller units, which are unstable and have a history of constant breakdowns, forecasting a scenario of prolonged blackouts for months.
The government presented the measure as part of a broader program to recover the National Electric System, which includes interventions in five thermoelectric plants this year with the aim of “improving efficiency and reliability.”
However, the lack of sustained investments and the general deterioration of the plants raise doubts about the medium-term results.
For citizens, the announcement is little more than a confirmation that the energy crisis will continue to intensify.
The six-month shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras threatens to further plunge the daily lives of Cubans into hardship, characterized by power outages, shortages, and the collapse of basic services.
The government itself acknowledged that the situation of the electrical system is “tough” and that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant would need to shut down in the coming months for maintenance, which suggests greater impacts ahead.
Last Wednesday, the Guiteras was automatically taken out of service due to a false signal of superheated steam in the boiler.
That specific failure triggered the automatic protection scheme of the thermal block and caused the total collapse of the SEN, leaving the entire island without electricity for over 24 hours.
It was the fifth national blackout in less than a year, and the second in 2025, highlighting the progressive deterioration of the system under state control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why will the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant be inactive for six months?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant will be inactive for six months for major maintenance. This decision is due to the accumulated lack of maintenance and the lack of regulation of the electrical system, which has caused repeated failures and blackouts in the country. The maintenance aims to extend the plant's lifespan and improve its efficiency.
How will the shutdown of the Guiteras affect the electricity supply in Cuba?
The Guiteras plant, being the largest thermoelectric power station in Cuba, will deal a severe blow to the country's already precarious electricity generation. Without this facility, the grid will rely on smaller and less stable units, which forecasts prolonged blackouts for months.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced a program for the recovery of the National Electric System, which includes interventions in five thermoelectric plants this year to improve efficiency and reliability. However, the lack of sustained investment and the overall deterioration of the plants raise doubts about the results in the medium term.
What are the main causes of the electricity crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the electrical crisis in Cuba include the deficit in generation capacity, lack of financing, and technological obsolescence. Additionally, the scarcity of fuel and issues at power plants have worsened the situation, with no clear immediate solutions.
What impact does the energy situation have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy situation in Cuba seriously affects the daily lives of Cubans, with prolonged blackouts complicating everyday life. This includes interruptions to basic services, issues with food preservation, and a negative impact on the overall well-being of the population.
Filed under: