GPL demands $30M from contractor for Sunday’s power outage

April 30 2026

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is moving to recover more than $30 million in losses following a power disruption caused by damage to a major transmission line during road works in Sophia.

In a statement, GPL said the outage, which occurred around 08:50 hrs on Sunday, April 26, was traced to heavy-duty machinery operated by China Railway First Group (Guyana) Incorporated at Dennis Street.

According to the utility company, its investigation confirmed that the equipment made direct contact with the L10 Transmission Line linking the New Georgetown and Sophia substations. The incident resulted in widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of customers across several communities.

GPL said the disruption caused significant inconvenience to households, businesses, and essential services.

The company has since issued a formal letter to the contractor’s project manager, Ma Qiang, seeking to recover $30,645,189 in damages. The contractor has been given 14 days to settle the amount, failing which GPL says it will pursue legal action.

The matter has also triggered law enforcement involvement, with one person reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

GPL described the occurrence as a serious breach of safety and operational requirements, warning that any work carried out near electrical infrastructure must comply with established safety standards, including maintaining proper clearance distances and coordinating with the utility.

The company further cautioned that contact with electrical systems poses a severe risk to life and can result in widespread outages and costly damage. GPL said it will take decisive action, including financial recovery and legal proceedings, against any party found in breach of safety protocols.