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Pedro Escandell, head of programming and control at EMCE.
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Pedro Escandell no longer wears the blue vest and yellow helmet as before.
His pace is slower and more tired and his gray hair reveals that this almost octogenarian has lived for a long time among boilers, planes and turbines.
He awaits us sitting in his office,
far from the deafening and incessant noise of the giant machines that have been his faithful companions
and that outline the industrial landscape of the Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Those who know him say that it is not to lose your sanity or temper.
Not even in the worst moments –like the one we are going through now with electricity generation– does he stress over the possible mishaps that can happen “in a system that breathes and beats”, as he tells us when referring to thermoelectric plants.
Although it has rained abundantly since the seventies, when he took his first steps in the world of electricity,
Pedro Escandell does not forget anything.
The current head of programming and control at EMCE recalls his beginnings in the industry and the history of the organization that has been his second family.
He began working in 1976 at the "electrical ministry" and later moved to an engineering company.
In 2009 he joined EMCE, after having collaborated with it on an international mission in Haiti, where he installed generator sets.
“In Haiti I worked a lot with my colleagues from EMCE and I liked his work style”, he tells us.
“It was a very tough experience, but very rewarding.
Seeing how we could help so many people with our work filled me with pride and satisfaction”.
Since then, among other responsibilities, he has dedicated himself to coordinating the planning and control teams of the basic business units (UEB) that carry out maintenance at power plants.
These maintenances are very complex and require a high level of knowledge and experience
.
“I like my job, because it is very varied and challenging,” says Pedro.
“Every power plant is different and has its own problems and characteristics.
You must always be attentive and prepared for any eventuality.
It is a job that demands a lot, but it gives you a lot of satisfaction
.
“A thermoelectric plant is an extremely complicated installation.
There all physical, chemical and thermal processes are interrelated.
Therefore, it is necessary to have a vast mastery of all the specialties involved: mechanics, electricity, instrumentation, etc."
To carry out good maintenance, everything must be prepared in advance: from material resources to work plans.
“The reason for the success of an execution is in the preparation”, affirms the head of programming and control of the EMCE.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
He is proud of his work and the team that accompanies him.
“EMCE is a leading company in this field and has excellent professionals.
We are the guardians of the country's energy development”.
Escandell Sosa is an example of dedication and professionalism in the Cuban electricity sector.
His work is vital to keep power plants running properly and contribute to the well-being of the town.
In all these years in the sector, he has seen everything: blackouts, breakdowns, fires... But he has also appreciated the effort and dedication of his colleagues to keep the light in homes and factories in the country.
Pedro knows that the current situation is complex,
that there are problems with the thermoelectric plants, that they have to be repaired or new ones built;
diversify energy sources and bet on renewables;
confront the economic siege and the attacks that make it difficult to import fuel and parts.
“It's a huge challenge but not impossible,” he says.
“We have the will and the ability to overcome it.
We have demonstrated many times our resistance and our creativity in the face of adversity.
We are not going to give up or stop fighting for our dream: a more prosperous and sustainable country”.
And he hopes that this situation can be overcome,
that this summer will not be as hard as the past, that blackouts will be reduced and electrical service will improve.
He says it with conviction: “We are completely sure.
Look, we are not going to be as we would like to be.
No. But it won't be the same summer as last year.
Because?
Because we're going to have a lot more units online and a lot of units that have been more limited are going to have more power now.
It is not that there is no blackout, but the blackout is going to be reduced considerably”.
While talking with his face behind a mask – a precaution left by the pandemic – he recounts how he is preparing to work at the Guiteras thermoelectric plant, where there was recently a serious incident with a rotor blade, and regrets some comments that question the quality of the work that his troops undertake.
“It hurts me when someone speculates about our work or that of those who strive every day to make it possible
.
But I don't get carried away by that, because I know that what is fundamental is higher than that misery that some may transmit due to ignorance or the work of the enemy.
I know that many times this comes from those who on social networks want to discourage and separate us.
But we are not fooled or defeated.
“We feel satisfied when we finish our work and we see that it goes well, that the block synchronizes, that it adds megawatts to the system and that the blackout decreases
.
This creates a great satisfaction in us, which is the fundamental incentive to continue forward.
“Regardless of the fact that there may be other material or personal things, that is the most important thing for us.
And I tell you one thing: working in a thermoelectric plant is not easy.
It is hard and sacrificed work, which requires a lot of courage and commitment.
“For example, when cleaning condensers, we have to open a huge lid and get in there with this horrible stench of rotten fish and rose hips.
And besides, in unbearable heat of 40 degrees and above.
People go in and out every ten minutes to hold out and take turns with the other comrades.
And all that, wet with salt water and condensed steam.
That is not paid for with anything.
“But we do it because we know that it is necessary to guarantee the operation of the plant and the electrical service to the people.
That is why we are happy with our work and do not allow ourselves to be influenced by criticism or attacks from enemies.
We are part of a noble and dignified entity that contributes to the development of the country and the well-being of the people”.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
Power Plant Maintenance Company (EMCE).
Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.
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