Lost power restored, normal load shedding resumes

Ghanaians can heave a sigh of relief as the Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana’s major power generator, announces that 400 megawatts of power, lost on Monday due to a breakdown in equipment, have been restored.

Large parts of Ghana were enveloped by darkness Monday night as ongoing power rationing was exacerbated by a loss in the power available for distribution.

It was feared that the breakdown of three power generation machines at the VRA’s switch-yard and the loss of 400 megawatts of power would deepen the power crisis already affecting the country.

But Sam Fletcher, Corporate Communications Manager at the VRA, told Joy FM’s Super Morning Show Tuesday that the problem has been fixed and the machines are operating effectively.

With this, he said the original load management schedule, whereby consumers endure six hours of lights out every two days, would remain in place.

He reported that the power situation is expected to see remarkable improvements by the end of this month when a T3 Plant, which is currently being tested, is commissioned.

According to Mr Fletcher, the plant will generate a little over 130 megawatts of power, which should drastically improve the situation.

He dismissed suggestions that the current power rationing exercise is the result of the VRA’s inability to buy sufficient light crude oil to power its generators.

Government has provided the Authority with all the money it needs, he said.