According to GRIDCo, a primary factor in the power shortfall is a lack of gas to fuel the country’s thermal power plants, coupled with escalating debt and financial constraints within the energy sector. 29th October 2024.
GRIDCo and ECG Attribute Power Outages to Tema Thermal Plant Shutdown
The ongoing intermittent power outages in parts of Ghana have been linked to disruptions at the Tema Regulatory & Metering Station, operated by the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo).
The issue has resulted in the temporary shutdown of key thermal power plants in Tema, a critical hub for energy generation in Ghana.
In a joint press release issued on December 11, the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) explained that the disruptions stemmed from “operational upsets” at WAPCo’s Tema station.
These upsets were caused by an influx of excessive liquids and debris at the Lagos Beach Compressor Station, a vital component of WAPCo’s gas transportation infrastructure. The unexpected materials disrupted operations, forcing a temporary shutdown of the station.
As a result, the supply of natural gas to Tema’s thermal power plants was affected, leading to a shortfall in electricity generation for the national grid.
To manage this supply gap, GRIDCo and ECG have implemented load management measures, commonly referred to as “dumsor,” which involve planned power outages to balance electricity demand and supply.
Although the affected areas have not been officially disclosed, reports from residents suggest that the outages are significantly impacting both residential and commercial activities.
