VRA: Drastic reduction in gas from Nigeria forces load management

Accra, Feb. 3, GNA – The Volta River Authority (VRA) announced on Thursday that a drastic reduction in gas supply from Nigeria through the West African Gas Pipeline to its thermal plants was forcing the power companies to embark on a load management exercise.

A statement issued by VRA in Accra said the situation meant there would be a reduction in power supply by 100 megawatts during the peak periods from 6.00 p.m. (1800 hours) to 10.00 p.m (2200 hours).

“VRA has therefore requested the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to undertake a load management exercise in various parts of the country, until the situation returns to normalcy,” the statement said.

VRA said discussions were, meanwhile, ongoing with the suppliers of the gas to increase supply from the current 40 million standard cubic feet per day (mscf/d), to the contractual volumes of 100 mscf/d, to enable the company to operate all its thermal facilities.

“We assure our valued customers and the general public that VRA is committed to ensuring the supply of adequate power to all its customers, and regret any inconvenience caused,” it added.

VRA generates power mainly through hydro and thermal sources.