By: Joyce Kantam Kolamong
NEDCo is set to receive 500 transformers from the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to help resolve ongoing power supply challenges in Tamale and nearby areas.
Speaking at a media engagement in Tamale on the current electricity situation, Communications Manager for NEDCo, Maxwell Kotoka, said the support would boost NEDCo’s efforts to improve distribution. He revealed that the transformers are not in yet, but the Ministry has made a commitment and issued a press release to that effect. Negotiations on delivery dates have started, and documentation should be done within two weeks.
“Give and take, in the next two weeks we should be receiving the first tranche of the 500 transformers that have been promised,” he explained. He said NEDCo had already begun installing some transformers with its limited resources, and the new units would help “alleviate the pain of the consumer.”
Mr. Kotoka apologized to customers for the recent drop in supply quality in the Tamale metropolis. “Management acknowledges that one. And with that acknowledgement comes an unqualified apology to all affected customers and the general public,” he said.
He stated that the problem is not due to generation or transmission, but distribution. “Power is available. Generation is not challenged, It is not a transmission matter. It obviously is a distribution challenge,” he noted, adding that VRA, IPPs, and GRIDCo are not responsible.
NEDCo’s records show feeders are reliable, but localized challenges exist. He listed three causes: undersized conductors, overloaded transformers, and customer interference with the network. He explained that when consumers use local electricians to switch phases without approval, it creates load imbalance. This can damage transformers or cause low voltage that NEDCo’s control room may not detect. The situation has worsened due to seasonal heat, he said.
Short-term measures NEDCo has taken:
1. Increased fault teams from one to three to respond faster to complaints. Work hours now extend past 10 p.m., with a goal to reach 24-hour service later.
2. Revamped complaint lines and set up a central contact center. The numbers are 03082 49525 for the contact center, and 03720 96114 and 03720 96115 for Tamale.
3. Transformer injections— installing new, bigger transformers at key locations based on reports.
Medium to long-term plans:
1. Roll out the 500 transformers as they arrive.
2. Public education to stop network interference. “Any form of interference with the network is likely to result in negative effects for all of us,” he said.
3. Upgrade primary substations in Tamale, Techiman, Brekum, and Wa to strengthen the network.
4. Introduce sanctions after stakeholder engagements, to protect the system.
Mr. Kotoka revealed that NEDCo has begun talks with the Regional Administration and Metropolitan Assembly on the issue.
The Communications Manager stressed that NEDCo does not approve customer requests to switch phases. “We cannot be party to that wrongful transfer of phases. Our responsibility is to ensure that there is adequate stability on all the phases, official phase changes happen only during load balancing to fix imbalances”, he stressed
He explained that fault teams sometimes face multiple emergencies at once, forcing them to prioritize live wire cuts over other faults. The extra teams should reduce delays.
The engagement ended with the Area Manager saying “NEDCo’s message is simple, we will continue to be at your service.”
More Stories Here
Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com