On Wednesday afternoon, the Electric Company of Santiago de Cuba announced the dismantling of the province's electric microsystem, which had been set up after a massive blackout earlier that day caused by the disconnection of the Antonio Guiteras power plant. This breakdown has once again left Santiago's residents without electricity, further complicating the already challenging energy crisis faced by the country, as reported on the company's official social media page.
The statement noted that technical teams are actively working to stabilize the system and restore power as soon as possible, but no specific timeline has been provided for when the microsystem might be operational again. The widespread blackout affecting Cuba since early Wednesday has triggered a series of setbacks for the National Electric System (SEN), forcing provinces to rely on isolated microsystems to maintain even basic services.
Santiago de Cuba had managed to establish one of these microsystems, yet its disruption has exacerbated the region's energy challenges. Residents now face another wave of uncertainty and hardship as authorities strive to regain control over a power grid that continues to reveal its weaknesses.
Around 4:00 p.m., the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas began its startup process, aiming to generate electricity by 8:00 p.m., following the resolution of a technical glitch in the automatic control system of a valve. According to engineer Román Pérez Castañeda, the technical deputy director of the island's largest single unit, the success of this operation hinges on the stability of the electric subsystem powering the plant, as shared by journalist José Miguel Solís online.
Previously, the Electric Union confirmed that the Guiteras plant had not suffered damage following its disconnection and that the unit was operating under stable conditions before it went offline. Additionally, no damage was detected at the plant, and no incidents involving workers were reported after the system's disconnection.
The nationwide blackout that struck Cuba in the early hours of Wednesday has not only exacerbated the severe energy crisis that has plagued the country for months but also led to widespread internet outages, sparking significant public dissatisfaction. Despite the electrical collapse that plunged the nation into darkness, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed optimism on social media, commending the relentless efforts of the Electric Union to restore the SEN, a stance that has angered a populace weary of the lack of solutions.
Nonetheless, even with Díaz-Canel's "optimism," the regime has suspended classes and non-essential work across Cuba due to the new general blackout that began this morning.
Understanding the Power Outages in Santiago de Cuba
What caused the recent power outage in Santiago de Cuba?
The recent outage was caused by instability in the frequency of the electric microsystem in Santiago de Cuba, following a disconnection at the Antonio Guiteras power plant.
How is the government responding to the energy crisis?
The government has suspended classes and non-essential work in response to the blackout, while technical teams are working to restore power. Leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has praised the efforts of the Electric Union despite public discontent.
What is the status of the Antonio Guiteras power plant?
The Antonio Guiteras plant began its startup process on Wednesday afternoon and aims to generate electricity by the evening after resolving a technical issue. The plant reportedly suffered no damage during the disconnection.