We are currently not shedding load – ECG MD insists

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) denied rumors that have been going around that there are continuous power outages, or “dumsor,” in the nation.

ECG and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Minister of Energy, both insist that the power distributor is not putting load shedding into effect despite calls for a timetable.

Samuel Dubik Mahama, the managing director of ECG, told reporters that the transformer issues had been resolved following a meeting with the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament.

Mahama emphasized that load shedding is not currently in place while assuring the public that ECG is working tirelessly to maintain a steady supply of electricity.

“The assurance is that we are doing our best. The lights are going to stay on. Most of the transformers that we spoke about and the intensification exercises are almost done. So we should just stay positive. There will be a proper statement as to the way forward. We are currently not shedding load. So we are not shedding load,” Mr Mahama stated.

But according to John Jinapor a member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, the main cause of the nation’s persistently unstable power supply is a lack of fuel for thermal power plants.

The Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu, Jinapor, revealed during an appearance on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem that the cost of fuel to keep thermal plants operating and stop more power outages is about US$50 million.

The situation has been getting worse since January of the following year, he explained, with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) having been using load shedding since September 2023.

According to Jinapor, during a recent meeting with energy sector stakeholders, everyone agreed that fuel availability is the primary cause of the problems with the power supply. He underlined how urgent it is that the Ministry of Finance make the required financial adjustments in order to quickly address the fuel shortage.

In addition, the Mines and Energy Committee has directed the ECG to release a detailed load-shedding schedule in order to promote openness and help residents schedule their daily activities during the continuous power outages.

Samuel Atta Akyea, the chairman of the committee, emphasized the need of openness in the communication of information about the state of the power supply and the necessity of providing Ghanaians with sufficient notice of impending power outages.

 

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com