A/R: ECG invests over GH¢2.7m to enhance power supply in Atwima Nwabiagya South

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Ashanti West Region has commenced major installations and infrastructure upgrades to enhance electricity supply across Greater Kumasi and its surrounding communities.

As part of efforts to improve power distribution, ECG has completed the construction of a new 11kV distribution line from the Afari Primary Substation to Nkawie in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.

This new feeder, completed at a cost of GH¢2,762,941.09, is expected to significantly boost power supply reliability to communities such as Nkawie, Toase, Mpasatia, Gyankobaa, Wioso, Kwame Dwaah, and Bedabour.

Ing. George Amoah, ECG General Manager for the Ashanti West Region, explained that the new feeder was necessary to reduce the load on the previous distribution line from the Agogo Primary Substation, which had reached its maximum capacity.

“The long distance of the older line contributed to low voltage issues, particularly during peak demand periods.”, he said.

The new line features 92 eleven-meter poles, three twelve-meter poles, 11kV headgear, a GIS load isolator, and stringing of new conductors. According to Ing. Amoah, the benefits of the project include improved voltage profile, reduced system losses, increased operational efficiency, and more stable and reliable power for residents and businesses in the affected areas.

In a related development, ECG has also embarked on a pilot project to install 100 new smart prepaid meters in the Ahenema Kokoben District under its Loss Reduction Project (LRP).

The pilot, which started in May with installations in Brofoyedru in the Atwima Kwanwoma Municipality, includes 90 single-phase and 10 three-phase smart meters. It is expected to last two months before a potential full-scale rollout to the over 50,000 customers in the Ahenema Kokoben District.

Ing. Amoah revealed that the smart meters offer several advantages

As part of the pilot, customers with faulty, non-smart, or postpaid meters had theirs replaced for free. Ing. Amoah confirmed that any existing credit was successfully transferred to the new meters, and customers were educated on usage. A dedicated WhatsApp platform has also been created to receive feedback and resolve complaints.

The General Manager added that customers found tampering with their meters will be penalized, as the meters are designed to shut down upon detection of interference, preventing any further credit top-up until the customer reports to ECG.

“We have cleared all 2024 backlog meter applications across our six LRP districts: Adum, Ahinsan, Danyame, Kokoben, Abuakwa, and Suame. We are now focused on replacing faulty meters to reduce losses,” Ing. Amoah stated.

He further urged the public to support ECG in its fight against illegal connections by reporting suspicious activities.

Mr. Rudolph Ahiekpor, Project Manager, advised the public to avoid tampering with installations and ensure safety during meter installation processes by keeping children away and reporting hazards to ECG staff.

These initiatives reflect ECG’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and quality electricity services to support the socio-economic development of the Ashanti Region.