ECG lost GHC153,554 through illegal connections from Jan to March in Eastern Region

The Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG, lost GHC153,554.50 through illegal connection from January to March 2017 in the Eastern region.

However, the company has managed to retrieve GHC122,917.52 while the loss control unit of the Company has intensified its operation with reviewed strategy to discover illegal connections in the region.

“A total assessment of illegal connection from January to March 2017 stood at GHC153,554.50 and that about GHC122,917.52 of that total amount had been paid.”

The Eastern regional Manager of ECG Ing. Michael Baah said this Wednesday in an interview with the media during inspection of two primary substations at Asamankese and Suhum which are near completion. The Regional Manager also said, “apart from the illegal connection non-payment of bills, cable theft, bush fires, Chainsaw operation and illegal mining have become impediment to the smooth operation of the company in the Eastern region.”

The 2× 10MVA 33/11KV capacity primary substations in Suhum and Asamankese areas which are 90% completed would help to improve voltage supply and also ensure reliability in the areas thereby addressing the low voltage experiencing by customers particularly at Asamankese.

Asamankese and Suhum areas have been struggling with low Voltage due to long distance of power supply .The situation has affected the local economy to the extent that banks and other companies have to mostly depend on generators to work.

The substations when completed will solve the challenge and provide reliable power to about 40,000 and 31 000 customers in Asamankese and Suhum respectively.