GRIDCo repair works to intensify 'dumsor' beyond regular load shedding

The Grid Company (GRIDCo) has warned of more intermittent power in addition to the load shedding as it rolls out a major project to replace over-aged equipment.

The project, according to the company, is to enhance the sub-stations’ capacity and make them more reliable.

Areas to be worst hit include Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Dunkwa, Tamale, Sunyani, Techiman, Aflao and Winneba.

“As a result of these on-going works, which are planned for completion by July 2016, there may be short interruptions in power supply to consumers, in order to create a safe working environment for the workers, outside the regular load shedding programme”, GNA quoted a GRIDCo statement as saying.

However, there was no indication when the project will start.

The report, according to GNA, said the grid company has requested the support of consumers during the period and assured the public that adequate measures have been put in place to minimize the outages, which might result from these works.

The repair works include the reconfiguration of some of these sub-stations, installation of additional transformers, replacement of switch gears, construction or expansion of Control Rooms, as well as the provision of capacitor banks and standby generators at some major substations.

This development comes at a time homes and businesses have been frustrated by the power crisis.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) started a power rationing plan in February where customers were expected to experience 24 hours power outage (lights off) and have power restored for the next 12 hours.

However, authorities have been unable to stick to this timetable.

Sometimes consumers go weeks without power with no prior announcement or explanation about what the problem is - further increasing the discomfort for consumers.