Libya's General Electricity Company (GECOL) has launched an investigation into sabotage at multiple substations, including a recent explosion in Sug Il Juma, warning that further tampering could trigger a nationwide blackout and threaten grid stability.
The General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) has initiated a formal investigation into a series of suspected sabotage incidents targeting its substations, following significant damage and a recent explosion at substation 16 in Sug Il Juma. The company is working in coordination with relevant authorities to determine the causes and responsible parties, amid growing concerns over the security of Libya's power infrastructure.
GECOL has warned that any interference with the national grid, whether through sabotage or unauthorized attempts to restore power, poses a direct threat to the stability of electricity supply and the safety of citizens. The company highlighted that such actions could result in equipment fires, the shutdown of generation units and transmission lines, and potentially a complete collapse of the grid leading to a nationwide blackout.
Explosion in Sug Il Juma Underscores Grid Vulnerability
The most recent incident at the Sug Il Juma substation involved the forced removal of on-duty personnel and the shutdown of the station, which triggered the automatic disconnection of power lines. Restoration was only possible after security forces intervened, allowing staff to return and reconnect the system. During the event, a transformer on Route 16 caught fire, illustrating the dangers of uncoordinated attempts to restore electricity without technical oversight.
GECOL emphasized that restoring power is a complex technical process, not a simple matter of flipping a switch. The company urged the public to avoid approaching electrical installations and to refrain from interfering with disconnection or restoration operations, warning that individual interventions could cause blackouts affecting entire areas or even the entire country.
Ongoing Strain on Libya's Power Infrastructure
These incidents come as GECOL continues to face operational challenges and public frustration over electricity supply. The company recently managed a surge in outage reports, handling nearly 10,000 citizen calls in a single day, as detailed in coverage of GECOL's rapid response to widespread outages. The latest sabotage events further complicate efforts to maintain grid stability and highlight the risks posed by both technical and security threats.
GECOL has reiterated its commitment to maintaining round-the-clock operations and called for public cooperation to safeguard the national grid. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will be closely watched, as further incidents could have severe consequences for Libya's energy security and public safety.
