VRA customer population in Techiman increases

Techiman (B/A), April 29, GNA - The customer population of the Techiman office of Volta River Authority (VRA), has increased to 80,000, as at March this year, representing about 25 percent of the total customer population of the Northern Electricity Department. The Techiman area office was carved out of Sunyani in 2004, with an initial customer population of about 37,000.

The customer growth rate is about 10 percent per annum, making Techiman one of the fastest growing Areas in NED, with an average feeder availability of 98.51 percent from 2010-2011. Mr Charles Dzikunu, Techiman area manager, disclosed this at the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the VRA at Techiman. The establishment of VRA as the foundation of newly independent Ghana's economy and industrial policy by the first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and succeeding heads of state has made Ghana a leading electricity power house in West Africa.

Mr Dzikunu said Techiman area serves three regions namely, Brong-Ahafo, parts of Ashanti and Northern region, with 16 political districts of Techiman, Offinso North and South, Wenchi, Tain and Kintampo North and South.

Others are Nkoranza North and South, Ejura-Sekyedumase, Atebubu-Amanten, Bole-Bamboi, Mampong, Pru and Sene districts. He disclosed that customer population as at March this year was 78.713 and to bring service to the door-steps of customers, management of VRA was in the process of opening more service centres at Nsawkaw, Jema, Abofour, Busunya and Sekyedumase. He said the VRA was to position itself to thrive and be more successful in the emerging new environment, as it was a high agenda for de-regulated electricity market where there was likely to be keen competition.

Mr Dzikunu indicated that the recent discovery of oil and gas in commercial quantities in the country which, when used to fuel VRA's thermal plants, would reduce the cost of electricity for consumers. He noted that the formation of the West African power pool was aimed at inter-connecting the sub-region to ensure improved availability and economy.

The Area Manager disclosed that VRA had enormous potential for growth and great prospects for utilities that were efficient, competitive and competent.

Mr Dzikunu revealed that VRA was the second largest utility in sub-Sahara in Africa after South Africa's Eskom, including Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

Mr Alex Kofi Kyeremeh, Techiman Municipal Chief Executive, noted the extension of electricity to Brong-Ahafo and three Northern Regions within the past 32 years, which had brought increased industrial and commercial activities, as well as growth, to the people. He appealed to VRA to endeavour hooking some parts of the municipality to the national grid.

The MCE called on the government to provide the Brong Ahafo with its fair share of the national cake, citing that the region did not benefit from the 500 million United States (US) dollars loan, under the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), meant for agricultural and infrastructural development in the country. He said the region is touted as the food basket of the country and can improve its agricultural pr oduction if successive governments support the region.

Nana Appenteng Fosu-Gyeabour, Hansuahene and Banmuhene of Techiman Traditional Area, expressed gratitude to VRA for its services, which he said had 93brought more life and economic activities in the municipality".

He reiterated the need for the extension of electricity grid to some developed communities in the area. Nana Fosu-Gyeabour later cut a sod for the construction of VRA facilities such as transformers, control room, re-actors, tower lines and insulators in the municipality. 29 April 11