Ministry Puts Hold On Load Shedding

Accra (Greater Accra), 12 Jan.,

The Ministry of Mines and Energy has directed the management of the power utilities to postpone the proposed mandatory load shedding programme which should have taken effect from Saturday, January 10. A statement issued in Accra and signed by the sector minister, Mr.. Fred Ohene-Kena, said the directive applies to electricity supply to the electricity company of Ghana (ECG), and the mines (Domestic consumers). The statement, however, said the directive excludes exports as defined in the public utilities regulatory commission (PURC) act 538 of 1997. It pointed out that even though the delay in implementing the mandatory load shedding measures may aggravate the power supply from Akosombo and Kpong, the ministry felt the postponement is the only alternative that can help avoid mandatory load shedding. The statement recalled that in order to address the deficit in power supply due to the abnormally low level of the Volta Reservoir, the utilities notified the public that a mandatory load shedding programme by the commission to ration electricity supply from Akosombo and Kpong. "In the past few days, the ministry of Mines and Energy has been consulting with the power utilities (VRA and ECG) to develop alternatives to the proposed imposition of mandatory load shedding measures." "As a result of these consultations, new proposals have been agreed upon by the ministry and the utilities. The new proposals have been submitted for PURC consideration and approval," the statement added.

Gri.