Citizens brace for two-week load shedding exercise as ECG releases timetable
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has recently released its loadshedding timetable to guide consumers through a period of generation shortfall, occasioned by maintenance works on the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant. The exercise is expected to take 14 days, with the timetable covering the period between Thursday, March 30 and Good Friday, April 7. This development has sent shockwaves throughout Ghana, with citizens concerned about the impact of power cuts on businesses, households, and the wider economy.
The electricity supply industry in Ghana has been plagued with challenges for years, ranging from inadequate generation capacity, inadequate transmission and distribution infrastructure, and inefficiencies in revenue collection, among others. The situation has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has put immense pressure on the already fragile economy, resulting in job losses, reduced income, and a high cost of living.
Click on link below to know the ECG’s Load shedding timetable
The ECG, which is the main distributor of electricity in Ghana, has been struggling to meet the increasing demand for electricity, as the country’s population grows, and economic activities expand. The company has, in recent years, resorted to loadshedding, a controlled power outage that involves cutting power supply to certain areas for a certain period, to manage the electricity deficit.
The recent announcement by the ECG has been met with mixed reactions, with some consumers expressing frustration and concern about the impact of the power cuts on their businesses and daily lives. For many businesses, especially those that depend on electricity for their operations, power cuts could result in significant losses, as they would have to shut down or reduce their operations during the period of loadshedding. Households would also be affected, with the inability to access basic amenities such as refrigeration, lighting, and cooking facilities.
However, some stakeholders have applauded the ECG for taking proactive measures to address the power deficit and minimize the impact on consumers. They argue that loadshedding is a necessary evil that is needed to ensure a stable and reliable power supply in the long run. They also point out that the maintenance works on the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant are critical for ensuring the efficient supply of gas to the thermal plants, which are the main sources of electricity generation in Ghana.
The current loadshedding exercise by the ECG highlights the challenges facing the electricity supply industry in Ghana, and the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and technology to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. It also underscores the need for consumers to adopt energy-efficient practices, such as the use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient appliances, to reduce their dependence on the national grid and minimize the impact of power cuts on their lives.
