The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun a major transformer replacement exercise at the Batsona Primary Substation in Accra as part of a nationwide programme aimed at improving power reliability and increasing network capacity.
The project, which cost GH¢34m involves replacing two power transformers with higher-capacity units to meet growing electricity demand in the area, where about 70 per cent of customers are industrial consumers.
Speaking during an interview with the journalists at the facility on Sunday, May 31, the General Manager for External Communications at ECG, Dr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, said the upgrade forms part of the government’s transformer replacement and upgrade programme being implemented with support from the Ministry of Energy.
“We’ve commenced the replacement of power transformers from 20/26 MVA to 30/39 MVA. This is not just a residential community, but also has some industries, so it is important that as a proactive measure, we increase the capacity to ensure reliable and stable power supply in the area,” he said.
Dr. Ayiku said the project is expected to strengthen the electricity network, improve service reliability and reduce incidents of intermittent power outages and low voltage experienced by customers.
He explained that the Batsona project follows similar upgrade works carried out at Adenta, Nungua, Teshie, Kumasi and Akwatia, adding that ECG would continue replacing both power and distribution transformers across the country.
The General Manager for Sub-Transmission, Engineer Francis Kofi Achacha, said the company selected Sunday for the exercise to minimise disruption to industrial activities in the area.
“About 70 per cent of these customers are industrial customers and therefore there’s the need for us to increase capacity in the area to accommodate all the loads,” he said.
According to him, one transformer is being replaced this weekend, while the second will be installed by the end of June.
He noted that most industries in the enclave do not operate on Sundays, making it the most suitable day for the planned outage required to undertake the installation works.
“We are working here today just to make sure that by tomorrow they come back to work and we are done with the installation so they can make good use of electricity,” he said.
Engineer Achacha disclosed that the replacement of the two transformers at Batsona will cost approximately GH¢34 million.
He added that ECG has so far installed 12 transformers under the upgrade programme and plans to extend similar works to 22 additional substations in Accra as more transformers are received.
Some of the transformers being replaced are also being redeployed to other areas requiring capacity support, including Akwatia, Tema and South Pong.
Dr. Ayiku used the occasion to remind the public to observe safety precautions during the rainy season, particularly around flooded areas where damaged electricity poles, fallen conductors or exposed electrical installations may pose a danger
He urged customers to avoid such locations and promptly report any damaged ECG infrastructure to prevent accidents.
