‘Power interruptions due to temporary difficulties’

The Ministry of Power has explained that the interruptions in electricity supply are due to temporary difficulties occasioned by a delay in the supply of light crude.

It said the delay in the supply “is the result of force majeure caused by unprecedented vandalism of major pipelines and five terminals in Nigeria”.  

Assurance 

“The contracted supplier has, however, given an assurance that it is pursuing all necessary measures to deliver crude in the shortest possible time,” the Deputy Minister of Power, Mr John Jinapor, said in a statement issued in Accra on Thursday.  

It said the unavailability of gas from the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) had led to a switch from gas to light crude as fuel to fire a number of thermal plants, which had resulted in a stretch of the consumption rate to conserve the limited stock.  

The statement expressed regret that the Akosombo Dam was at a record low, thus limiting the electricity generated from the plant.  

“The Ministry expects the situation to return to normal very shortly owing to contingency measures adopted to procure adequate quantities of fuel to generate enough power. Additionally, efforts are underway by the Bulk Oil Storage and Transport (BOST) Company Limited to secure strategic reserves of fuel to mitigate any future emergencies,” the statement assured.  

Tariff re-alignment  

Touching on tariff re-alignment, the statement indicated that the ministry had also noted varying commentary on the rationalisation of life-line tariffs and “wishes to state that it has become necessary to carry out this re-alignment to ensure equity and fairness in the benefits of the life-line tariff”. 

It added that following extensive consultation among the power sector stakeholders, the electricity billing system had been realigned and all anomalies corrected.

“Consequently, customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) are expected to enjoy some relief in the amount paid for electricity consumption,” the statement added.  

The statement further said a new 'reckoner' which brought clarity and better understanding of the billing system was being published by the utility companies and added that the reckoner shall be deployed to all district and regional offices of ECG/NEDCO, as well as Customer Service Centres, to assist consumers accordingly.   

It expressed appreciation to consumers for their patience and understanding.