Excavator hits power line, triggers widespread Demerara blackout

April 26 2026

See full press statement from the Guyana Power and Light: 

At approximately 08:50 hrs today, several areas across Demerara experienced a service interruption.

GPL teams were immediately deployed to assess the L10 Transmission Line linking the New Georgetown and Sophia Substations. Investigations confirmed that the disruption was caused by heavy-duty machinery making contact with the line.

Checks at Dennis Street established that China Railway First Group was conducting road expansion works in the area at the time.

Beyond the disruption to service, GPL emphasises that contact with electrical infrastructure poses a grave risk to life. Incidents of this nature can result in severe injury or death, in addition to widespread outages and damage to the network.

GPL is therefore strongly urging all contractors and members of the public to exercise extreme caution when operating near electrical lines and to strictly observe all safety protocols and clearance requirements. The company further underscores that any party found responsible for damage to critical infrastructure will face the full brunt of the law.

Efforts are ongoing to relocate the excavator and to restore service as quickly and safely as possible.