The Untold Bites of the ECG

Nii Addo voices a disheartening reality about the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG),  highlighting the toll it has taken on citizens due to the lack of accountability and the subsequent  detrimental impacts on lives and properties. The recent devastating fire outbreaks at market  centres as a stark example of the grave consequences arising from the ECG’s  mismanagement, urging the public and the government to take action to address these  systemic issues that have long been overlooked.

In a detailed analysis, Nii Addo sheds light on a disconcerting pattern of deliberate power  interference, revealing a distressing practice of intentional power disruptions in various  regions, which significantly favors the ECG’s interests. These disturbances, characterized by  erratic power surges and abrupt interruptions, occur systematically throughout the month,  causing severe inconveniences and posing risks to both electrical appliances and personal  safety.

Examining specific areas such as Lartebiokorshie, Dansoman, Adentan, Kuntuse, Kasoa,  Tarfo, and Gumani, Nii Addo uncovers a systematic interference strategy adopted by energy  suppliers. This system, involving intentional disruptions, favors the ECG as a quick method  to pull credits on meters, leading to destruction with no consequences for the culprits. The  recurring power disruptions from the 10th to the 18th and then the 25th to the 29th of each  month have become a distressing norm.

Nii Addo exposes the ECG’s questionable tactics to raise revenue, emphasizing the immediate  acceptance of high-voltage power by gadgets, causing undue financial burden on users. The  erratic high and low voltages not only exploit users financially but also pose safety hazards,  leading to fire outbreaks and damaged electrical appliances. The installation of ECG meters,  sometimes sparking fires due to incorrect placements, adds another layer of concern.

Additionally, installing meters without proper synchronization with local builders’ knowledge  has led to mishaps, including fire incidents due to incorrect cable line placements. Lack of  transparency in tariff deductions, inadequate communication regarding power disruptions, and  a disregard for user inconvenience further compound the problems faced by consumers.

The persistent and intentional power disruptions by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)  pose significant economic challenges to both the informal sector and poor households in the  country. The irregular power supply disrupts the daily operations of small businesses operating  in the informal sector. These enterprises heavily rely on consistent power to sustain their  operations, especially those in sectors like food services, electronics repair, and tailoring. The  unpredictable power outages lead to increased production costs, hampering productivity and  profitability. Inefficient energy supply also affects product quality, ultimately limiting these  businesses’ capacity to compete and expand. Consequently, the informal sector, which plays  a pivotal role in Ghana’s economy, faces a direct threat to its growth and sustainability.

The frequent power cuts impose a burden on households, particularly those with limited  financial means. Inconsistent power supply disrupts daily routines, affecting various aspects  of life, from cooking to children’s education. Households often resort to alternative, more  expensive sources of energy such as generators or inverters, increasing their overall living  costs. Moreover, the unreliability of power creates uncertainties around refrigeration and  storage, leading to increased food wastage and financial losses for households already  struggling to make ends meet. This economic strain further perpetuates the cycle of poverty,  exacerbating the challenges faced by vulnerable households.

The frequent power interruptions hinder investment and job creation. Entrepreneurs and  potential investors may be deterred from establishing businesses in an environment where  the energy supply is inconsistent and unpredictable. This reluctance to invest in the country’s  economy directly impacts job creation and economic growth. Moreover, existing businesses  may find it challenging to attract investors or secure loans due to the increased risks  associated with power-related disruptions. Consequently, the informal sector faces stagnation,  and the potential for economic development is stifled, affecting the overall well-being of both  businesses and households in Ghana. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic  approach, involving regulatory bodies, policymakers, and the Electricity Company of Ghana  to ensure a stable and reliable power supply system for sustained economic growth.

The ECG’s lack of consideration for the consequences of these actions is evident in the  fluctuations of power voltage, swinging drastically from excessively high levels to alarmingly  low ones, far below the recommended standard. These fluctuations not only endanger lives  but also wreak havoc on electrical devices, often resulting in damage or, worse, sparking fire  outbreaks.

Moreover, the recent infrastructure developments, while beneficial in expanding roads, have  uncovered ECG’s shortsightedness in infrastructure planning, risking further power disruptions  and financial losses for affected individuals and businesses.

Nii Addo’s recommendations are concrete and compelling. He urges the Public Utility  Regulatory Commission (PURC) to mandate a compulsory meter inventory and advocates for  improved monitoring systems and stringent measures against illegal connections by the ECG.  Transparent billing practices, stringent guidelines for ECG agents, and accountability for street  lighting maintenance funds are pivotal aspects that demand immediate attention.

In essence, Nii Addo’s call to action resonates with a demand for transparency, accountability,  and consumer-centric measures from the Electricity Company of Ghana. The urgent need for  these reforms is vital to safeguard citizens’ lives, properties, and economic stability. Seeing a  problem, speaking up, and demanding change are crucial steps towards rectifying these  systemic issues.

Nii Addo’s comprehensive analysis and recommendations stand as a beacon for citizens,  policymakers, and regulatory bodies to foster a more responsible and responsive energy  ecosystem in Ghana.