The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) suspects sabotage caused Friday's L2 transmission line trip and the widespread outages that followed.

The company said in a statement that the line, which runs parallel to the L4 line between the Grove and Sophia substations, tripped at about 8:12am, causing a significant loss of supply across its service area.

GPL said the line had been inspected on Thursday and found free of faults and vegetation. Even so, it tripped on an earth fault on the C-phase conductor, the lowest of the three and the closest to the ground. Technicians who inspected the line afterwards found no fault, vegetation or physical condition to explain the trip.

"A line that is clean one day does not fail on its most accessible conductor the next without cause," GPL said, adding that this points to deliberate interference with critical infrastructure.

The company condemned any attempt to sabotage the network, saying such acts are reckless and endanger lives, including those of the perpetrators. It added that they also disrupt homes, businesses, hospitals and essential services.

"GPL will not tolerate interference with its infrastructure," the company said. It is conducting a full investigation and will hand any evidence of unlawful activity to the authorities so that those responsible can be held accountable. In the meantime, surveillance and protection of its critical transmission assets are being increased.

GPL also appealed to the public for help. Anyone with information about suspicious activity near its lines, towers or substations is urged to contact the company or the nearest police station immediately.

The company said its teams have worked to restore supply and thanked customers for their patience.