General News of Monday, 29 June 2015

Source: tv3network.com

Power supply to worsen; VRA reduces Akosombo operation

Akosombo Dam Akosombo Dam

The Volta River Authority (VRA) is planning to reduce the operating capacity of the Akosombo Dam due to a drop in water level, TV3 has gathered.

The water level as of Friday, June 26 was 238.57 feet (ft), which is almost two feet below the minimum operating level of 240.00ft.

According to reports, poor rains in the north have caused the situation with the Ghana Meteorological Agency predicting lower inflows.

TV3 has been informed that the last time the Dam recorded such a similar level was on June 22, 1984 with levels dropping to 235.76ft.

The hydroelectric dam has six turbines with a capacity of 1020megawatts (MW) but has been operating on four and, sometimes, three turbines.

VRA is, therefore, planning to reduce the power supply from the country’s major dam to prevent collapse.

This is expected to affect power supply with most of the thermal plants undergoing repairs.