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The Ministry of Energy and Mines informed this Saturday that the Unit 8 of the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant, the Unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Power Plant in Cienfuegos, and engines from Mariel are in the startup process, with the possibility of joining the National Electric System (SEN) “more immediately.”
The announcement comes just hours after the Céspedes went offline due to a failure in its condenser, which further worsened the impacts across the country and left millions of Cubans with extended outages.
The breakdown in Cienfuegos had been acknowledged by the Electric Company itself and shared by the official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, who admitted that the operation of the SEN was becoming even more complicated.
Between blackouts and rumors
The news of the partial start-up comes after a week marked by the critical instability of the system, which included the fifth nationwide blackout in less than a year last Wednesday, when the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant unexpectedly went offline, causing a total collapse of the SEN.
In the midst of the discontent, rumors also spread about a supposed three-day blackout, which were denied by the Electric Union, stating that “the SEN is stable” and rejecting that an “energy emergency” had been declared.
Power outages are no longer seen as a temporary situation, but rather as the result of decades of negligence, lack of investment, and mismanagement. Most plants have been in operation for over 40 years without major maintenance and rely on improvised or defective parts.
The partial start-up of units in Mariel and Cienfuegos is presented by the government as a relief, but for Cubans affected by constant blackouts, the announcement is received with skepticism. A user on social media succinctly summarized it:
"Better not to play it anymore, because every time it starts, it ends up turning us all off."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and the Thermal Power Plants
What thermoelectric units are in the process of starting up in Cuba?
The Unit 8 of the Mariel thermoelectric plant, Unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Power Plant in Cienfuegos, and motors from Mariel are in the process of being started up, with the possibility of being integrated into the National Electric System (SEN) more immediately. These actions are taking place within a context of prolonged energy crisis in Cuba, where the electrical system faces constant breakdowns and a lack of investment.
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are the result of decades of negligence, lack of investment, and poor management in the electrical system. The country's thermal power plants, many of which have been in operation for over 40 years, run on outdated equipment and without proper maintenance. Furthermore, the shortage of fuel and lack of spare parts exacerbate the situation, leading to prolonged and frequent power cuts.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba directly impacts the daily lives of its citizens, who experience power outages lasting more than 20 hours a day. This situation affects water supply, food preservation, and the operation of essential services such as hospitals and schools. The blackouts have also led to increasing social unrest, with sporadic protests and strong criticism on social media.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government has tried to present the reintegration of some repaired units as technical successes, but these solutions have been temporary and have not resolved the structural problem. Despite promises of recovery, the lack of real investment to modernize the energy infrastructure and the absence of a concrete restoration plan continue to leave the population without an effective solution to the electricity crisis.
What is the current situation of the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba?
The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba is in a critical situation, with a constant deficit in generation capacity. The availability is insufficient to meet national demand, resulting in extended blackouts across the country. The situation has been exacerbated by unexpected unit outages, insufficient maintenance, and logistical issues, leading to chronic electrical disruptions on the island.
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