The Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced that efforts were underway on Saturday afternoon to restart the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant. This move aims to reintegrate it into the National Electric System (SEN) after its shutdown on Friday led to widespread blackouts across the island.
"Following the completion of maintenance work at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, we are beginning the startup process today to synchronize and strengthen the national electric system," stated the Ministry of Energy and Mines on social media. This message was also shared on X by Alfredo López Valdés, director of Cuba's Electric Union.
On Friday, the SEN experienced a complete collapse when the Guiteras plant went offline. Further compounding the situation, another total disconnection occurred on Saturday morning, undoing any minimal progress made towards restoring the system.
Challenges in Restoring Power
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, commented late Friday that "we currently have micro-systems in all provinces except Artemisa, which have limited power and serve consumers near these areas." He provided additional insight into the minimal advances achieved in restoring the SEN, indicating that the limited power available on Saturday was supplied by generator groups.
Despite these challenges, the regime remains cautious about providing a definite timeline for resolving the chaotic power situation. "This afternoon, we expect to have greater electricity coverage nationwide, with thermoelectric plants expected to synchronize with territorial micro-systems. However, there is no certainty that the SEN will be fully operational today," noted official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso on social media.