ECG explains unstable power supply-Revisited

Electricity is an essential part of modern life. In our homes we use it for lighting, running appliances and electronics, and for cooling and in industry for various functions including manufacturing processes and production. This increasing reliance on electricity for many domestic and industrial activity means we need a dependable supply of electric power. ECG, the electricity provider must know that a reliable energy service provision is crucial for the overall social and economic development of any nation or region in the world. The frequency and duration of unplanned outages in recent years is wrecking havoc on an already weak economy.

On 11 May 2006, after one of the unplanned outages, the operations manager of the ECG attempted to explain the cause (Ghanaweb 11/05/06). In his explanation, he pointed to a safety mechanism which isolates a problem in the distribution system and triggers a shut down of the particular phase of the supply system. This explanation must be seen in the context of other outages which had disrupted examinations, court proceedings, blacked out two regions and disrupted meetings, functions and production activities (Ghanaweb 10/5/06, 22/4/06).

I am aware that no electricity system is 100% reliable as there could be unplanned outages which make it impossible to provide or guarantee a completely disturbance-free and uninterrupted electricity. Unplanned outages may occur due to several factors some beyond the control of ECG or the electricity provider eg natural causes- lightning strikes, generating capacity shortages and the inability to meet system demand during times of heavy drought.

It is also true that in Ghana population growth and technological advances ? especially the widespread use of electronics (computers, hifi systems) and illegal connections have contributed to increase demand for electricity. However, the quality, reliability and quantity of the supply problem have been an issue for many years. There are outages that are caused by factors within the ECG?s control- eg failure to carry out proper maintenance, lack of adequate planning, poorly maintained electricity generation system, poor transmission and distribution systems and corruption. To make it worse there is very little information to consumers when these unplanned outages occur and on the rare occasion that consumers are informed there is no indication as to how long it will take to rectify the problem.

Is the ECG sitting on its hands because the circumstances in which it may have to pay damages in the event of unplanned outages is limited or is it the case of the ECG knowing that consumers have little knowledge of their rights has no incentive to provide a reliable and efficient service or is it the case of poor management and maintenance.

In my view the factors that have contributed to the poor service which the ECG needs to address soon are:

lack of proper policy guidance that could foster investment in the electricity industry and improve access to electricity; poor governance and lack of leadership (very critical issue); inability to check illegal connections; inability to stop or reduce the pilfering of materials; poor maintenance culture; inability to control, or generate enough, revenue to cover its operations; poor workplace culture with underlining tones of nepotism sometimes resulting in square pegs being put in round holes; Note: not limited to ECG (h) lack of adequate tools for front line staff to perform their duties

ECG must provide consumers with performance measures and service level standards. ECG needs a strong policy direction on supply and if this means non performing managers are relieved of their post, so be it.

Without strong policy action, effective governance and increase in investment in the electricity sector there is a very real likelihood that the picture could remain the same, stifling economic development, and resulting in lower quality of life.

The level of corruption which appears to affect all operations and institutions in Ghana needs to be reduced.

The ECG must also take a serious look at equipment maintenance and replace outmoded supply and distribution systems. Improve governance and provide people on the frontline with the necessary tools to carry out their tasks.

While ECG struggles to come to terms with an efficient electricity supply system there are many things that government, architects and individuals can do to help in reducing unplanned outages

>From the Government perspective, it needs to inject some money into replacing the outmoded distribution and supply systems. There will be enough money for such a project without seeking a loan from donor countries. We can start by abolishing the Ministry of Aviation and therefore there will be no need for a Minister for Aviation do away with Deputy Regional Minister positions and get priorities right (how can a government that has good priority settings release 3.8 billion cedis of HIPC money to buy law books at a time when our hospitals are crying for much needed drugs and equipment and we are talking of brain drain of health professionals.

>From the perspective of architects, building designers and builders, we need to look at our house designs, the materials used in construction and the orientation of the houses and buildings. In days gone by orientation of houses was an important factor and we designed houses for a number of activities to take place outdoors eg cooking so heat is not maintained in the houses. Modern architecture particularly in Accra is a mixture of a wide variety of styles and materials most of them unsuitable for the climate. Like most things in Ghana, there is a tendency to transplant western ideas without modifying them to suit the country. While we need to move with the times we can still design houses that will reduce the cooling load and thereby reduce the amount of energy used for mechanical cooling of houses and buildings. This calls for active input from KNUST, the various building research institutions in Ghana and architects.

The relevant Government agencies need to take a good look at our building regulations, if any (like most regulations in Ghana even if they exist they are never enforced or are selectively enforced) with a view to making it more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Finally, as individuals we can also start looking at ways of reducing our electricity usage. Electricity providers send out information to consumers on ways of reducing electricity usage and some of the steps suggested are outlined below:

turning off lights and appliances when they are not being used; using energy efficient appliances; use appliances off-peak if possible; replace inefficient appliances prior to their useful life. Many of the appliances in use in Ghana especially the second hand ones brought in from overseas have almost outlived their useful life and are inefficient to operate; repair broken seals on refrigerators; use compact fluorescent light bulbs or energy efficient bulbs instead of the incandescent bulbs. We need to also report all illegal connections for apart from being dangerous they contribute to making a bad situation worse.

In my opinion some of these measures if explored and used might help in reducing energy usage. It will also assist in cutting down on the frequency and duration of unplanned outages. For individuals, it might help them reduce their energy bills.