This weekend, the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) took to Facebook to update the public on ongoing repairs at the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant in Matanzas. The post described the facility as the "largest and most efficient unit block in Cuba."
The statement quickly became the subject of ridicule and sarcastic comments among Cubans who follow the state entity's page. The post detailed that teams of welders were working tirelessly to fix damage in the economizer and low-pressure reheater, replacing 11 tube segments in the process.
UNE projected that repairs would wrap up by Sunday, allowing the unit to contribute approximately 190 MW to the National Electric System, provided there were no unforeseen issues.
The need for this announcement arose after a leak in the boiler economizer forced the plant offline last Tuesday, merely five days after it had been synchronized on October 9, delivering around 180 MW.
This pattern of brief operation followed by new failures and partial repairs has recurred at least 17 times so far in 2026, according to the plant's records.
Such a track record made the term "efficient" a target for humor. "Someone please explain the meaning of 'efficient' to me. I need to know," quipped one user. Another added, "I think you don't understand what 'efficient' means."
One Cuban user opted for irony: "With all these repairs, it must be nearly brand new. It's the same story every week." A woman humorously noted, "Efficient and it has more patches than an old work pair of pants." Another user bluntly called it "a fossil."
Some commenters highlighted concerns about the durability of repairs. "Tube replacement for five minutes of work, then another breakdown," one warned. Another questioned, "Didn't they already change that last time? None of this makes sense."
One user offered a grim prognosis: "Guiteras used to be efficient in its time. Now it's on its last legs. It's losing vitality day by day, and soon, it won't work at all."
Meanwhile, several users reported extended blackouts at home. "You can tell. I've had a blackout for 25 hours," one person wrote. Others asked, with little hope for a positive answer, how many days the plant would remain operational this time.
Operating for over 38 years since its commissioning in 1988-1989, the Guiteras plant last underwent comprehensive maintenance in 2010. A full overhaul would require replacing more than 500 tubes and keeping the plant offline for at least 180 days, a step the authorities have consistently avoided.
Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy promised such maintenance by the end of 2025, postponed it in December of that year, and announced it again in April 2026 without a specific date.
The most memorable incident this year occurred in July when the Guiteras was connected to the national system for just 26 minutes, prompting widespread mockery.
Common Concerns About CTE Antonio Guiteras
What caused the latest shutdown at Antonio Guiteras?
The latest shutdown was triggered by a leak in the boiler's economizer, which required the plant to disconnect from the national system.
How often has the plant experienced issues in 2026?
The plant has faced at least 17 instances of brief operation followed by new failures and partial repairs in 2026.
What are the challenges in maintaining the plant?
A complete overhaul of the plant would require replacing over 500 tubes and halting operations for at least 180 days, a measure consistently avoided by authorities.