The General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) confirmed on Thursday that Tripoli experienced a complete power outage after unauthorized excavation works caused severe damage to the national grid.
In a statement, GECOL said that heavy machinery used for random digging along Airport Road struck 30kV underground cables feeding the Al-Zuhur residential complex. The damage resulted in a total loss of power supply, cutting circuits linked to the 220kV Al-Jibs substation. The incident also sparked a fire at the 30kV substation serving the area.
Emergency teams were able to extinguish the blaze, but the company reported “serious damage” to both the station and the wider electricity network. The Energy Protection Authority has opened an investigation, documenting the scene and collecting evidence to determine responsibility.
GECOL condemned what it described as reckless and unlawful acts, warning that tampering with or damaging grid infrastructure poses grave risks to public safety and further weakens an already fragile electricity system. The company stressed that it reserves the right to pursue legal action against those involved, while holding relevant authorities accountable for preventing such incidents.
Libya’s electricity sector has long struggled with chronic instability, driven by years of conflict, underinvestment, and widespread illegal connections that place additional strain on the grid. Power cuts lasting up to 12 hours a day have become routine in many regions, disrupting daily life, economic activity, and public services.
