The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has confirmed that the service interruption at approximately 10:17 hrs on Monday, May 18, 2026, was caused by heavy-duty machinery operated by S. Joseph Transportation & Machinery Rental during works at Grove New Housing Scheme (Backlands), East Bank Demerara.
The power company said that its investigations confirmed that the equipment came into direct contact with the L1 Transmission Line linking the Garden of Eden and Grove Substations, resulting in a significant disruption of electricity supply to tens of thousands of customers across multiple communities.
“The damage caused considerable inconvenience to GPL’s valued customers, disrupting households, businesses, and essential services,” GPL said.
GPL has since issued a strongly worded letter to S. Joseph Transportation & Machinery Rental and is seeking to recover a total of $8,059,361 for operational losses incurred as a result of the incident. The company has been given fourteen (14) days to settle the full amount, failing which GPL will pursue legal action.
GPL is reminding all contractors and equipment operators that strict adherence to all safety protocols when working near electrical lines is mandatory. Any breach will attract decisive action, including financial recovery and legal proceedings.
