Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) is seeking to recover more than $30.6 million in damages from China Railway First Group after heavy-duty equipment struck a key transmission line during road works in Sophia, causing widespread power outages.
The utility company said the incident occurred around 08:50 hrs on Sunday, April 26, when machinery operated by the contractor came into direct contact with the L10 transmission line along Dennis Street, disrupting electricity supply to tens of thousands of customers across multiple communities.
According to GPL, the affected line links the New Georgetown and Sophia substations and is critical to maintaining stable power distribution in the area. The disruption impacted households, businesses and essential services.
GPL said its investigations confirmed the contractor’s responsibility for the damage and has since issued a formal letter to project manager Ma Qiang, demanding compensation totaling $30,645,189 for losses incurred.
The company has given the contractor 14 days to settle the amount, warning that legal action will be pursued if payment is not made within the stipulated timeframe.
Authorities have also taken action in connection with the incident, with at least one individual arrested.
GPL described the occurrence as a serious breach of safety and operational requirements, stressing that all works near electrical infrastructure must comply strictly with established safety standards, including maintaining required clearance distances and coordinating with the utility.
The company further warned that contact with live electrical infrastructure poses immediate risks to life, including severe injury or death, and can result in extensive outages and damage to critical systems.
GPL urged contractors and equipment operators to adhere strictly to all safety protocols when working near transmission lines, noting that violations will attract decisive action, including financial recovery and legal proceedings.