Tropical Storm Oscar has caused disruptions in two electrical microgrids across the province of Holguín, as reported by local authorities. The storm's passage through this eastern region resulted in the loss of microgrids in the municipalities of Moa and Holguín. Efforts to restore them will commence as soon as weather conditions improve, according to a report from the local newspaper Ahora, which detailed the province's situation during Oscar's transit.
While the storm impacted these areas, work is ongoing to stabilize the western section of the electrical system. Energetic efforts are being made to restart the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermoelectric Plant, located in Felton, Mayarí, as soon as the weather permits. Eric Milanés Quinzán, the director of the thermal facility, indicated that "Block 1 is ready to start once conditions are favorable, meaning there is sufficient power to carry out the operation. We are hoping this will happen today."
The Felton plant is deemed crucial by Cuban officials for transmitting energy to the eastern part of the island, an area that has been without power for over 72 hours. Meanwhile, the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in the province of Matanzas was brought back online around 2 PM on Monday, according to a brief announcement by the Cuban Electric Company.
During the Midday News, engineer Lázaro Guerra Hernández, who heads the Electric Energy Department at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, confirmed that the Guiteras plant is operational but will be limited to producing 120 MW. He also mentioned that despite reconnecting the system, there will not be enough capacity to meet all power demands due to ongoing fuel supply issues.
As for the storm, Tropical Storm Oscar, which has been affecting the country since Sunday afternoon, is expected to exit by late Monday afternoon. Its path will take it near the eastern municipalities of Holguín, particularly Moa and Gibara, with forecasts predicting strong ocean swells.