The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) announced early this Friday morning that the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermoelectric Plant, also known as Felton, is back online. "ETE 'Lidio Ramón Pérez' Felton is now contributing 220 MW to the National Electric System," the UNE shared on its social media channels shortly before 7 a.m. on December 6.
In a recent post, the UNE clarified that Felton 1 was reconnected at 11:08 p.m., just before midnight. "Felton 1 is online with the SEN and increasing load," they noted. Despite this positive development, many Cubans remain skeptical, as frequent power disconnections and reconnections continue to exacerbate the ongoing issue: persistent blackouts.
On Thursday evening, a malfunction at the Felton plant led to a widespread blackout affecting several Cuban provinces. According to a brief statement from the Cuban Electric Union, the incident occurred at 7:33 p.m. when Block 1 of the plant automatically shut down, halting its operations. This disruption resulted in a significant drop in energy production.
Blackouts in Cuba: Energy Crisis and Power Plant Failures
The Felton Thermoelectric Plant has experienced multiple outages from the National Electric System throughout 2024. Noteworthy incidents include one in October when Unit 1 was taken offline for an unavoidable 10-day boiler maintenance. In May, the same unit was out of service for 25 days due to scheduled maintenance. Additionally, in August, the plant was again offline due to a boiler "leak," without details on the repair timeline provided.
On December 4, the country faced the third complete collapse of the National Electric System in less than two months due to an unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas. Prior to that, on December 2, municipalities in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo were left without power due to a 110 kV line fault in Renté.
Social media is flooded with citizens expressing their frustration over what many consider an energy emergency. The lack of effective solutions, combined with the government's unmet promises, intensifies public dissatisfaction and underscores the urgent need for a change in the management of the electrical system.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Challenges
Why is the Felton Power Plant significant for Cuba?
The Felton Power Plant is crucial as it contributes significantly to Cuba’s National Electric System, providing essential power that impacts several provinces.
What are the primary causes of blackouts in Cuba?
Frequent blackouts in Cuba are primarily due to malfunctions and maintenance issues in thermoelectric plants, combined with an outdated electrical infrastructure.
How has the public reacted to the ongoing energy issues?
Public reaction has been one of frustration and discontent, with many citizens expressing their dissatisfaction on social media and calling for effective solutions.