[ 2016-07-08 ]

Gov’t explains cause of recent power outages
The Ministry of Power has stated that the recent
power outages are as a result of temporary
difficulties.

A release on Thursday said the difficulties have
been occasioned by the delay in the supply of
light crude from Nigeria, non-availability of gas
through the West African Gas Pipeline and the low
water levels of the Akosombo Dam.

The release expressed appreciation to Ghanaians
for their “patience” and “understanding”
in this difficult time. President John Dramani
Mahama had on Wednesday sounded apologetic over
the situation, saying it is not loadshedding as
some fear it is.

He had also clarified that the recent
announcement by the Electricity Company of Ghana
(ECG) is not a subsidy but a realignment of its
billing system in a new reckoner.

The release issued by Deputy Minister of Power
John Jinapor said the reckoner is being deployed
to every regional and district office of ECG and
Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO)
for customers’ easy reading.

Below is the release: STATEMENT ON POWER
INTERRUPTIONS AND TARIFF CHANGES

Following recent interruptions in electricity
supply in various parts of the country and changes
in the tariff regime, the Ministry of Power wishes
to clarify as follows:

The interruptions in electricity supply are due
to temporary difficulties occasioned by: Delay in
the supply of light crude as a result of force
majeure caused by unprecedented vandalism of major
pipelines and five terminals in Nigeria.

The contracted supplier has, however, assured
that it is pursuing all necessary measures to
deliver crude in the shortest possible time.
Non-availability of gas from the West African Gas
Pipeline (WAGP).

This has led to a switch from gas to light crude
as fuel to fire a number of thermal plants, which
has resulted in a stretch of the consumption rate
to conserve the limited stock.

The Akosombo Dam is at a record low. This has
limited the amount of 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 BOST to
secure strategic reserves of fuel to mitigate any
future emergencies. Tariff re-alignment The
Ministry has also noted varying commentary on the
rationalization of lifeline 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 lifeline tariff.

Following extensive consultation amongst the
power sector stakeholders, the electricity billing
system has been realigned and all anomalies
corrected. Consequently, customers of ECG and
NEDCO are expected to enjoy some relief in the
amount paid for electricity consumption.

A new ‘reckoner’ which brings clarity and
better understanding of the billing system is
being published by the utility companies. The
reckoner shall be deployed to all district and
regional offices of ECG/NEDCO as well as Customer
Service Centres, to assist consumers accordingly.
We take this opportunity to express appreciation
to consumers for their patience and understanding.

Source - 3news.com

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