By Mildred Siabi-Mensah, GNA
Ketan (WR), March 26, GNA – Activities of unauthorised and quack electricians within communities continue to hamper quality electricity supply to consumers in the Western Region.
These quack and unauthorised electricians always transferred loads from one line to another upon request from consumers without recourse to the Company, thereby creating overloads on a particular line.
They also temper with Transformers functioning as well as conducting illegal connections.
Mr Emmanuel J. Ofori, the Western Regional General Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), told Journalists during a tour at their Bulk Supply Point in Ketan within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
He noted that communities must therefore help in protecting such key infrastructure by directly contacting the company rather than resorting to quack and unauthorized electricians.
“You need the patience as consumer after calling us, rather than think we will not come on time so you will use these uncertified electricians to do the wrong things on our lines and create problems for both of us”, he added.
He said, “Power outages,” was costly to the company, and thus would not carry out such acts anyhow and prayed for consumers to begin doing the right things.
Another challenge contributing to power outage, he indicated, was vegetation interference on the routes of most power lines that stretched around communities.
He explained that power distributed in the region was sourced from GRIDCo and transmitted through Bulk Supply Points (BSPs) to primary substations.
From there, electricity was sent to distribution substations before finally reaching homes and businesses.
Mr Ofori identified vegetation as a major challenge, especially during the rainy season.
He noted that many power lines passed through difficult terrains with dense vegetation, which often grows close to the power line.
During heavy rains and strong winds, trees and bamboo can come into contact with the power lines, causing faults and forcing the system to shut down as a safety precaution.
He explained that was why customers often experienced outages during storms, as the system was designed to go off when such interference occurred to prevent damage.
To reduce these incidents, ECG carries out annual vegetation control exercises, engaging contractors to clear growth along power line corridors.
Another major issue highlighted was the overloading of the Bogoso Bulk Supply Point, which served communities including, Bogoso township, Asankragua, and nearby areas.
The overload had resulted in supply challenges in areas such as Amenfi East and Amenfi West.
To address this,” ECG is constructing a new line from the Prestea Bulk Supply Point to the Bogoso BSP”.
This intervention would redistribute the load and reduce pressure on the Bogoso substation.
He assured customers of ECG’s commitment to resolve the issues soon.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Kenneth Odeng Adade