40,000 Meters for Northern Electricity Department

The Northern Electricity Department (NED) of the Volta River Authority (VRA), has taken delivery of 40,000 loadlimiters to be installed for its consumers whose power consumption falls within 50 units in the northern sector of the country.

The introduction of the new devices by VRA is to ensure cost effectiveness and quality service delivery in the northern sector.

Speaking to Chronicle at Sunyani, the Area Manager, Frank Akligo said the cost of the conventional meter (old type) is twice higher than the loadlimiter. And since the VRA's decision is to beat down operational costs, hence the importation of the meters.

The loadlimiter, as explained by the Area Manager is a device that allows a consumer to take power up to a certain level.

He further explained that "when your power consumption exceeds that level, it trips down, indicating that you are above 50 units."

According to him, this system of metering is suitable for those who are being put on a fixed line rate and those consumptions around 0 - 50 units.

Mr. Akligo said when one uses the new meter, he or she can not use gadgets that would consume more than what it takes. If the person who uses the loadlimiter wants to acquire new gadgets, the only thing to do is to inform the VRA to change that meter for him.

He revealed that those who are put on fixed line rates sometimes cheat VRA, by buying additional electrical gadgets without informing them.

The new system, according to the Area Manager, would bring uniform rates and power consumption to both the customer and the VRA.

The installation of the loadlimiters, as revealed by Mr. Akligo, would only be applied to those whose power consumption falls within 0 - 50 units for about six months to one year.

He said "this is so, because customers who consume little power do not need to have heavy equipment meters placed for them." He revealed that all old meters used by low power consumers would be replaced with the loadlimiters.

In Brong Ahafo, the VRA would in each quarter of this year install 2,500 for Sunyani District and 2000 for Techiman District, In all, 4,500 is expected to be installed within the second quarter of this year.