Robert Dwamena, ECG boss
Power producers in the country have allayed the fears of customers about the possible re-emergence of power outages as a result of the planned shutdown of the plants of the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) for maintenance works.
A joint press release issued yesterday by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Volta River Authority (VRA) and Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), said adequate measures had been put in place to mitigate the impact of the shortfall that may occur as a result of the shutdown by the Ghana Gas.
According to the Ghana Gas Company, the planned shutdown of its plants for maintenance would allow for the connection and commissioning of the gas pipeline system and other equipment from the TEN fields to the Atuabo Processing Plant from between 3rd and 20th February, 2017, among others.
The shutdown is expected to cause a generation shortfall of 230 megawatts from the AMERI plant, whose operations depend solely on gas supply from GNGC.
This anticipated shortfall of 230MW is creating public anxiety.
As part of measures to ensure uninterrupted power, the companies said “we plan to generate additional power from the Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric plants, and also from the Tema and Kpone thermal plants which operate on light crude oil (LCO) and diesel respectively, while imports from Cote d’Ivoire will be purchased to make up for the supply deficit.
“Additionally, some of the thermal units at Aboadze that have been shut down for planned maintenance would be returned into service during this period.”
According to them, the connection of the TEN fields to the Atuabo plant is critical, as it will significantly increase the amount of natural gas to run the power generating facilities at Aboadze and improve the overall reliability of power supply to the general public.
They assured electricity consumers and the general public that the power situation will be managed in the most efficient manner during the period to address the anticipated challenges in power supply.
By Cephas Larbi
cephrok@yahoo.com