Officials at the *Antonio Guiteras* thermoelectric plant in *Matanzas*, the largest in the country, have announced that the facility will be taken offline for four days to undergo new maintenance. Journalist *José Miguel Solís* reported on his Facebook page on Thursday that engineers are focused on stabilizing the industry at 260 megawatts (MW), completing the installation of a new feed pump, and finishing the drainage of a tank damaged during a fire on June 14.
*Román Pérez Castañeda*, the technical deputy director of the island's largest single-unit power generation block, specified that the tank, which suffered a fire in mid-June, is being worked on for restoration once its content is evacuated. Despite this, he detailed that the industry is operating without imminent threats but plans a four-day shutdown to maintain generation at no less than 260 MW during the hottest months.
Currently, the plant is generating 265 MW, according to the reporter. However, this situation has sparked skepticism among the population, as the plant had just resumed operation 15 days ago after a boiler failure, and previously suffered an oil leak causing another breakdown. In April, the Guiteras plant was also out of service for five days following a general maintenance in March, leading to public protests due to blackouts.
On Thursday, Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, *Vicente de la O Levy*, stated that there is an improvement in the electric service thanks to the maintenance of the island's thermoelectric plants, but confirmed that the demand cannot be fully met due to a lack of fuels. In statements cited by the official portal *Cubadebate*, the official noted that with the completion of most of the scheduled maintenance on the plants, there is an improvement in the country's electric service. However, he clarified that "peak hours cannot always be covered given the fuel limitations to support the demand."
Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis that has generated widespread public discontent, especially during these vacation months when families are at home with children, overwhelmed by the heat and hours-long blackouts.
Maintenance Challenges and Energy Crisis in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide more insight into the current maintenance challenges and energy crisis in Cuba, particularly focusing on the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant and its impact.
Why is the Antonio Guiteras plant undergoing maintenance?
The Antonio Guiteras plant is undergoing maintenance to stabilize its operation at 260 MW, complete the installation of a new feed pump, and finish draining a tank damaged by a fire.
How has the plant's operation affected the public?
The plant's operation has caused public skepticism and discontent due to frequent breakdowns and blackouts, especially during the hottest months and vacation periods.
What did Minister Vicente de la O Levy say about the energy situation?
Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged an improvement in the electric service due to plant maintenance but confirmed that the demand cannot be fully met due to fuel shortages.