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Official propaganda runs along a parallel path to reality, as evidenced by the Barrio Award presented this Saturday by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) to none other than the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant.
Delivered during a ceremony in Matanzas, the award "recognizes the effort and actions taken to sustain electricity generation in the country, despite the challenges faced by the energy sector,” reads the report from the state media.
The award, granted by the National Secretariat of the CDR, recognizes "the collective thinking and active participation of its workers in the direction and management of productive processes."
Furthermore, the Guiteras collective also received “the status of National Outstanding in Socialist Emulation” for the results achieved in 2024.
The event was attended by former spy and National Coordinator of the oversight organization Gerardo Hernández Nordelo.
The CDR will award 50 Barrio Prizes as part of the activities for their 65th anniversary.
Díaz-Canel also in the Guiteras
This Saturday, the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel also visited the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant —the most efficient unit block in the country— to “check” the recovery program of the National Electric System (SEN).
According to what was reported in the state media, the plant is currently generating 226 MW, limited by a feed pump and high water consumption; the priority, they said, is to maintain production until a "major" repair scheduled for December that will last for 180 days. After that process, the unit aims to generate 315 MW.
The visit is part of a tour of thermal power plants initiated by the regime's leader to assess, together with executives and workers, the "recovery of generation capacities" of the SEN.
"It is very inspiring to visit this iconic thermoelectric plant, and to appreciate the commitment and responsibility of its workforce to recover the generation capacities of the plant and contribute to the necessary and urgent stabilization of the SEN," said the regime's representative, amidst a critical energy situation in the country.
Díaz-Canel insisted that capital maintenance is "unavoidable" and urged to "prepare it well, with quality," while "recovering capabilities" to mitigate the impact of future shutdowns for repairs.
During the dialogue at Guiteras, information was also provided about "support" measures for workers, such as salary increases, provision of food and hygiene items, specialized medical care, and other incentives for staff, in order to sustain operations until the major intervention.
Another weekend of blackouts
Cuba faces another weekend marked by massive and continuous blackouts, with a power generation deficit that exceeds 1,800 megawatts (MW) this Saturday, as reported by the Electric Union (UNE).
In its official statement, the company acknowledged that the service was affected for 24 hours on Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday.
For the evening, consumption skyrockets; during this peak period, demand could reach 3,500 MW, while availability would barely reach 1,775 MW, resulting in a deficit of around 1,725 MW and impacts extending up to 1,795 MW.
Frequently asked questions about the energy situation in Cuba and the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant
What is the Barrio Award given to the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant?
The Neighborhood Award is a recognition granted by the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR) in Cuba. In this instance, it was awarded to the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant for its efforts and actions to maintain electricity generation in the country, despite the challenges faced by the energy sector. However, this recognition stands in stark contrast to the reality of ongoing blackouts and technical issues at the plant.
What is the current status of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant is currently operating under significant limitations, generating 226 MW, well below its optimal capacity. A major repair is scheduled for December, which will last for 180 days with the goal of improving its generation capacity to 315 MW. However, the plant has experienced frequent outages and technical issues, reflecting the fragility of the Cuban electrical system.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the seriousness of the energy crisis, with widespread blackouts and a power generation deficit exceeding 1,800 MW. Among the measures implemented are salary increases and food distribution to workers at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, as well as a tour of thermoelectric plants by Miguel Díaz-Canel to assess the recovery of capacities in the National Electric System (SEN). However, these actions appear insufficient in the face of a collapsed and outdated system.
How has the situation at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant affected the Cuban population?
The situation at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant has had a severe impact on the Cuban population, contributing to frequent blackouts that affect millions of people. The lack of electricity has led to food spoilage, shortages of drinking water, and widespread discontent among citizens, who face power cuts of up to 20 hours a day. The country's electrical infrastructure, damaged due to lack of maintenance, fails to provide an effective solution.
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