What is the offence of damaging electrical infrastructure in Gibraltar about?
Short answer
It is a new offence the Gibraltar Government plans to introduce, making those who damage electrical infrastructure liable to significant financial penalties.
Detailed answer
The offence of damaging electrical infrastructure in Gibraltar is part of legislation being prepared following the September 2025 power outage caused by damage to high-voltage cables during construction works. The outage left the whole territory without electricity for several hours and required costly emergency repairs. In response, the Government has confirmed that a Bill will be brought to Parliament creating a specific offence for damaging electrical infrastructure. The proposed law will allow for substantial financial penalties to be imposed on those responsible for such incidents, ensuring that the costs are not borne by the taxpayer. Alongside this, the Government will also review site clearance rules to strengthen safeguards around critical public utilities and reduce the risk of future disruption. On Friday 3rd October 2025, Minister for Utilities Gemma Arias-Vasquez published the Electricity Infrastructure (Damage) Bill 2025. The Electricity Infrastructure (Damage) Bill 2025 is a proposed law that would make it an offence to damage Gibraltar’s electricity network. It sets out fines of up to £100,000 for anyone who drills through or damages power cables or other electrical equipment. This fine would be on top of any money claimed by the Government to cover the cost of repairs. The Bill also says that employers could be held responsible if their workers cause the damage while doing their job. The Gibraltar Electricity Authority would have the power to issue the fines, but only after sending a notice, allowing time for a reply, and giving a right of appeal to the Magistrates’ Court. The aim of the Bill is to stop careless or reckless work near electricity cables and to make sure anyone who causes damage is held accountable. It still needs to be passed by Parliament before it becomes law. Under the Electricity Infrastructure (Damage) Act 2025, damaging electrical infrastructure and causing a power outage is now a criminal offence carrying a Level 5 fine on the standard scale. The Act imposes strict liability, meaning the prosecution doesn’t have to prove intent, and employers can be held liable if the offence is committed during the course of employment. In addition, the Gibraltar Electricity Authority (GEA) can levy a financial penalty of up to £100,000 for the same conduct; only one penalty may be imposed for each incident, and it cannot be levied if the offender has been convicted or is already facing criminal proceedings. Before imposing a penalty, the GEA must issue a notice of intent within six months of gathering sufficient evidence, stating the proposed amount and reasons and offering the recipient 28 days to make written representations. A final notice is then issued requiring payment within 28 days and detailing appeal rights. Appeals go to the Magistrates’ Court, which can confirm, vary or cancel the penalty, and unpaid penalties can be recovered as a civil debt.