General News of Thursday, 7 July 2016
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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The Power Ministry has assured consumers of a quick return to regular power supply after weeks of erratic power supply.
The outages have led to consumers believing that the dreaded load shedding is back.
But the Deputy Power minister John Jinapor, explained in a statement, that shortages in gas, crude oil and low water levels in the Akosombo dam are responsible for the latest round of power cuts.
Homes and businesses are having to return to the use of generators after at least one month of inconsistent power supply.
It was the year in which the government touted that it had resolved the power crisis that had plagued much of President John Mahama’s administration.
But barely six months after the assurances and about six months to a crucial election, the irritating power cuts appear to have re-emerged.
Read full statement
STATEMENT ON POWER INTERRUPTIONS AND TARIFF CHANGES
Following recent interruptions in electricity supply in various parts of the country and changes in the tariff regime, the Ministry of Power wishes to clarify as follows:
1. The interruptions in electricity supply are due to temporary difficulties occasioned by:
a. Delay in the supply of light crude as a result of force majeure caused by unprecedented vandalism of major pipelines and five terminals in Nigeria.
The contracted supplier has, however, assured that it is pursuing all necessary measures to deliver crude in the shortest possible time.
b. Non-availability of gas from the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). This has led to a switch from gas to light crude as fuel to fire a number of thermal plants, which has resulted in a stretch of the consumption rate to conserve the limited stock.
c. The Akosombo Dam is at a record low. This has limited the amount of electricity generated from the plant.
The Ministry expects the situation to return to normal very shortly owing to contingency measures adopted to procure adequate quantities of fuel to generate enough power. Additionally, efforts are underway by BOST to secure strategic reserves of fuel to mitigate any future emergencies.
2. Tariff re-alignment
The Ministry has also noted varying commentary on the rationalization of lifeline tariffs and wishes to state that it has become necessary to carry out this re-alignment to ensure equity and fairness in the benefits of the lifeline tariff. 2
Following extensive consultation amongst the power sector stakeholders, the electricity billing system has been realigned and all anomalies corrected.
Consequently, customers of ECG and NEDCO are expected to enjoy some relief in the amount paid for electricity consumption.
A new ‘reckoner’ which brings clarity and better understanding of the billing system is being published by the utility companies.
The reckoner shall be deployed to all district and regional offices of ECG/NEDCO as well as Customer Service Centres, to assist consumers accordingly.
We take this opportunity to express appreciation to consumers for their patience and understanding.
Signed:
John Jinapor
DEPUTY MINISTER FOR POWER
Accra- 7th July, 2016.