Power Crisis: Amandi Power Plant Offline for Routine Maintenance - ECG boss
Ghana is grappling with frequent power outages, commonly known as "dumsor," due to the shutdown of at least two Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The IPPs, which contribute significantly to the country's electricity supply, ceased operations due to unpaid debts owed by the government.
The Sunon Asogli power plant was the first to shut down in early October, followed by Amandi.
However, according to Ing. David Asamoah, acting Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Amandi's shutdown is not due to unpaid debts but rather internal maintenance.
Asamoah explained that the ECG attempted to negotiate with Amandi to postpone the maintenance, but insurance issues prevented this. Meanwhile, three other power producers – Karpowership Energy, AKSA Energy, and Cenit Energy Limited – have reduced their power supply, sparking concerns of a potential shutdown.
The ECG has assured the public that these power producers will not shut down as expected. Asamoah attributed the reduced power supply from Karpowership Energy to a maintenance issue with their pressure control valve. The company has flown in an expert to fix the issue, and Asamoah hopes that Karpowership will resume normal operations by the weekend.
“Amandi has gone off not because of the fact that we owe them, but because they are undertaking their annual maintenance, which is usually done in November.''
“We met with them [Amandi] and tried to negotiate, but their explanation is that if they delay the maintenance, they will lose their insurance cover for their materials.''
“They have a problem with their pressure control valve, but the good news is that they have flown in an expert to fix it, and it is my hope that by the weekend, if they are able to fix it, Karpowership should be back,'' he stated on Joy News' Newsfile programme on Nov 23.
Ghana's power sector has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate gas supply from Nigeria and feeder outages. The situation has led to widespread power outages, affecting businesses and households across the country.
The Electricity Company of Ghana has urged the public to report any power outages or issues to their customer service hotline.
Source: Lead News Online
