The Ministry of Power has assured the public that current challenges within the country’s power sector will soon return to normal as efforts are being rolled out to rectify the situation.
The Ministry is optimistic the contingency measures it has adopted should bring relief to Ghanaians.
A shortfall in generation has culminated in power cuts across the country for some time now.
President Mahama on Wednesday admitted of the development but declined to declare load shedding.
A statement issued by the Power Ministry to clarify the recent interruptions in power supply explained that the non-availability of gas from the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) has led to a switch from gas to light crude as fuel for a number of thermal plants.
This it said, “has resulted in a stretch of the consumption rate to conserve the limited stock.
The Ministry also says the destruction of major pipelines and five terminals in Nigeria has delayed the supply of light crude to Ghana.
In addition, the Akosombo Dam is at a record low which has limited the amount of electricity generated from the plant.
The statement however assured that the contracted supplier of gas is pursuing all necessary measures to deliver crude in the shortest possible time.
Clarification on subsidy
Commenting on the latest development on the new electricity billing rates issued by the ECG, the Ministry explained that “the electricity billing system has been realigned and all anomalies corrected after extensive consultation amongst stakeholders in the power sector.
It added that the move has become necessary to ensure equity and fairness in the benefits of the lifeline tariff.
Meanwhile the the utility companies are expected to publish a new ‘reckoner’ which brings clarity and better understanding of the billing system.
The reckoner shall be deployed to all district and regional offices of ECG/NEDCO as well as Customer Service Centres, to assist consumers accordingly.
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By: Pius Amihere Eduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana