TIG Post

Tag: GRIDCo

  • Anwomaso-Bolgatanga transmission line to be completed in August – GRIDCo

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) says it expects work on the 330,000 volts Anwomaso-Bolgatanga transmission line to be completed by August this year.

    The about 551-kilometre transmission line will serve as a by-pass to the north of the country to ease the pressure on the Kumasi main substation.

    Mr Jonathan Amoako-Baah, Chief Executive Officer of GRIDCo, told journalists after an inspection tour of the on-going project at Krapa in the Ejisu Municipality that the lines would be the largest towers in the electrical transmission network.

    Already, the lines connecting Kintampo-Tamale and Tamale-Bolgatanga have been completed.

    He said the works were part of pragmatic efforts to strengthen transmission lines in the country to ensure power stability, accessibility and reliability.

    Mr Amoako-Baah explained that about 90 per cent of the generation in Ghana were located at the south end of the country, Aboadze, Tema and Akosombo, and power needed to be transported from these places through Kumasi to the northern part of the country.

    “When it happens like that some of the voltage is lost along the way, instead of a voltage of about 160,000 volts that is generated from the source, it goes as low as 140,000 volts,” he said.

    He stressed that if steps were not taken a total system collapse could occur and that would not augur well for the nation.

    Mr Amoako-Baah said these situations resulted in some consumers being taking off so that the voltage could be sustained.

    The CEO said the Bui Dam, which was generating voltage to support what was transported from the south to the north, was unable to do that due to the precariously low levels of the Bui reservoir as a result of erratic rainfall patterns in the area.

    To offset the situation, GRIDCo initially installed a transformer at the Anwomaso Sub-station to ease the load on the Nhyiaeso Substation.

    The company was also going to install the Static VAR compensator to sustain the voltages in Kumasi in the year.

    Again, Mr Amoako-Baah said a request had been made for a generating plant to be installed around Kumasi.

    He was of the firm belief that with the measures put in place, the phenomenon of low voltages would cease to exist and there would be a continuous supply of power in Kumasi and its environs

    Mr Amoako-Baah appealed to consumers within Kumasi to bear with the Company since it was doing everything possible to address the challenges.

    Source: GNA

  • GRIDCo to embark on a demolition exercise around High Tension Lines

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) is to embark on a demolition exercise around its Right-of-Way (RoW) locations along the Tema-Achimota-Mallam High Voltage Transmission Lines.

    The exercise, scheduled for this month, would rid the affected areas of illegal occupants and encroachers, whose activities prevent access to the transmission towers.

    In a statement issued in Accra, the company said the specific areas included Dzorwulu, Ashaiman Middle East, and areas in East Legon American House, Adjei Kodzo, and Menpeasem.

    It said the demolition exercise, when completed, would enable GRIDCo engineers and contractors to have unimpeded access to the transmission towers for construction works to be carried out to ensure adequate and quality power transmission to the Greater Accra Region and adjoining areas.

    The statement said it was an offense under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004 for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity concerning lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.

    It said such operations included drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, and real estate.

    It said such enterprises should not be undertaken in the areas extending for a distance of 15 meters on each side from the center of the transmission towers for 161kV lines and 20 meters for 330kV lines.

    The statement said such activities posed a danger to human life and property as transmission line faults could result in casualties and damage to properties.

    It said over the past years, GRIDCo had issues with encroachers along with its transmission towers and lands across the country, especially in the Greater Accra, adding, “These persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives.”

    The statement stated that GRIDCo would continue to work with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures and to curb all forms of human activities within the Right-of-Ways to safeguard public safety and ensure the reliability of power transmission.

    Source: Goldstreet Business

  • GRIDCo to demolish structures around Tema-Achimota-Mallam transmission lines

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), is to embark on a demolition exercise around its Right-of-Way (RoW) locations along the Tema-Achimota-Mallam High Voltage Transmission Lines.

    The exercise, scheduled for this month, will rid the affected areas of illegal occupants and encroachers, whose activities prevent access to the transmission towers.

    In a statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Company said the specific areas included Dzorwulu, Ashiaman Middle East, and areas in East Legon – American House; Adzei Kodzo and Menpeasem.

    It said the demolition exercise, when completed, would enable GRIDCo engineers and contractors unimpeded access to the transmission towers for construction works to be carried out to ensure adequate and quality power transmission to the Greater Accra region and adjoining areas.

    The statement said it was an offence under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004, for persons or institutions, to conduct any form of activity concerning the lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.

    It said such operations included drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate.

    It said such enterprises should not be undertaken in the areas extending for a distance of 15 meters on each side from the centre of the transmission towers for 161kV lines and 20 meters for 330kV lines, were prohibited.

    The statement said such activities posed a danger to human life and property as transmission line faults can result in casualties and damage to properties.

    It said over the past years, GRIDCo had issues with encroachers along its transmission towers and lands across the country, especially in Greater Accra, adding, “these persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives.”

    The statement stated that GRIDCo would continue to work with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures and to curb all forms of human activities, within the Right-of-Ways, to safeguard public safety and ensure reliability of power transmission.

    Source: GNA

  • Dumsor: Government starving GRIDCo, ECG of funds Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has blamed the recent power outages on the failure of government to release funds to GRIDCo and ECG.

    Consumers of electricity have been complaining about intermittent outages in Accra, Kumasi, and other places in the country.

    In an interaction with the media in parliament, minority spokesperson on mines and energy Adam Mutawakilu accused government of failing to use proceeds of the Energy Sector Levy, ESLA put together by the Mahama administration to settle debts of GRIDCo and other players under huge financial distress.

    According to the Damango MP management and staff of both GRIDCo and ECG have been gagged from telling Ghanaians the challenges at the two organizations.

    He wants the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to take punitive actions for poor services to customers.

    Touching on rural electrification, Adam Mutawakilu shot down NPP manifesto promise to achieve universal electrification by 2030 arguing former President Mahama will do it in 5 years after assuming power next year.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • GRIDCo undertakes works on Atiwa Forest Transmission Line to strengthen transmission

    The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has stepped up repair works on its Tafo-to-Akwatia transmission line, which traverses the thick parts of the Atiwa Forest in the Eastern Region.

    The F2Q line, as it is called, is crucial to the stability of the transmission system, the power-producing firm said.

    However, it has in recent times been experiencing faults, leading to brief and intermittent power outages in some parts of the country.

    Having located the fault in the thick of the forest, Line Maintenance workers at GRIDCo are in the middle of completing the construction of a 14-Kilometer access road in order to transport materials and other equipment to the site and resolve the fault.

    GRIDCo Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Amoako-Baah made an emergency visit to Atiwa last Thursday to inspect the progress of the works.

    He was accompanied by GRIDCo Directors responsible for Southern Network Services, Engineering Planning and Human Resources.

    Commenting afterwards, Mr. Amoako-Baah said: “Great progress is being made to permanently repair the fault in order to strengthen the transmission system and resolve the intermittent outages we have been experiencing these past weeks.

    “I am encouraged by the dedication and resilience of our staff and the external vendors, who are working round the clock to get this done. Navigating the Atiwa Forest is a real challenge but we have put measures in place to expedite action on the project in order to ensure consistent and uninterrupted power supply in the country.”

    Some parts of the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern and Northern regions, have been experiencing brief outages in the past two weeks due to the situation.

    Apart from the instability on the F2Q line, the activities of some galamsey operators and the disruption to some of the lines by heavy duty trucks are all contributory factors.

    GRIDCo says it is committed to resolving the challenges and restoring stability to the national grid.

    Source: 3 News

  • GRIDCo explains intermittent outages

    The main operator of the electricity grid, Ghana Grid Company, has attributed recent intermittent power outages to challenges with some of its key transmission lines in the Western and Eastern parts of the country.

    Brief outages have hit certain parts of the country in recent days; particularly last week and on Tuesday September 1, 2020. The outages were brief and lasted not more than three hours in parts of Greater Accra, Ashanti, Eastern and the Northern regions.

    According to the company, activities of galamsey operators and a charcoal loaded truck, snapped its Tafo to Akwatia transmission line. Additionally, the 330kV Aboadze substation reported some flashovers owing to the wet weather conditions; which eventually led to outages in some parts of the country.

    Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Jonathan Amoako-Baah said:

    “We have been working assiduously to resolve issues with our transmission lines across parts of the country. The recent outages have been carefully contained due to great effort from our Engineers, Operation & Maintenance staff and the Systems Control Centre. Our resolve is to ensure that challenges are resolved aggressively in line with our commitment to ensure uninterrupted supply of power to our key stakeholders. We are also taking measures to fix some of the challenges relating to infrastructure and installations to ensure an efficient grid that is resilient and sustainable for the country and the sub-region.”

    Source: GridCo

  • Mining firms’ debts to GRIDCo affecting work of the power producer – IES

    The Institute of Energy Security (IES) has noted that aside the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the indebtedness of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), the Volta Aluminum Company (VALCO) and some mining companies to the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), coupled with the depreciation of the Ghana cedi, contributes to the financial woes of the GRIDCo.

    The debts owed by these companies to the GRIDCo is rising to unprecedented levels, and may likely render GRIDCo incapable of executing its critical projects that would make the national transmission system robust and improve reliability of power supply, the IES said . Adding that it could negatively influence the day-to-day operations of the company, and could lead to the stalling of the many key projects undertaken by the company to improve on operations and efficiency, if not checked.

    The increased debts that translate into financial constraints may also make it difficult for the transmitter to meet its financial obligations to financiers, contractors, suppliers and service providers among others. The bad financial state of the company induced by increased receivables could result in increased payables and deterioration of its working revenue, and by extension produce financial losses.

    The IES said it fears that the toughest leadership test is approaching, where the government and its allied institutions in the power sector would have to show how they intend to bring back power utilities into cost-effective and profit ways. The most appropriate module could be for the Government to reimagine its approach in dealing with debts in the sector, should it be willing to return power sector institutions to profit ways. Most critically, the Government must proffer new ways in which to recover revenues owed to the GRIDCo from institutions, whether private or state, and from the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA) Fund.

    The ECG must deal with the high commercial and technical losses in its system, and must commit to clearing all the debt owed to GRIDCo, to guarantee reliable power supply to its distribution network.

    While the GRIDCo waits to receive payment from the ECG, or better still receive revival from the sharing of the ESLA Fund to help boost the finance of the company, Management of the company must focus on pursuing the debts owed by the ECG and other defaulting customers. GRIDCo must also consider cutting back on some of expenses (including CAPEX), focusing on those that are necessary to produce a robust transmission system, to manage the current challenges.

     

    Source: Laud Business

  • GRIDCo employee tests positive for Covid-19

    An employee of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has tested positive for COVID-19, the company has said.

    A statement from the Company said they received the news on Monday.

    “The employee has since been isolated for treatment by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Covid-19 Management Team, in line with the established protocols,” GRIDCo said.

    According to them, a comprehensive contact tracing process has also begun in order to ensure appropriate measures are taken to protect the lives of those likely to have come into contact with the infected person.

    Additionally, as a precautionary measure; a decision has been taken by GRIDCo Management to undertake mass testing of all staff who have been working at its Tema office since June 15, 2020.

    GRIDCo explained that this “is in order to immediately identify, isolate and treat employees who may have contracted the virus.”

    The Company said it has engaged the Covid-19 Team in Tema to manage the process.

    It assured its customers and stakeholders that it remains committed to their safety whilst ensuring uninterrupted power transmission services.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Stop gagging GRIDCo employees Minority demands

    The Minority in Parliament has condemned an alleged decision by the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to get its employees to sign an oath of secrecy which will bar them from speaking on issues affecting the company.

    Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Adam Mutawakilu in a statement accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of orchestrating the move to prevent employees from expressing their views on issues affecting the operations of GRIDCO.

    The Damango legislator believes the move is “inimical to the growth of the company and an affront to the Right to Information Act.”

    He further pointed out that the oath of secrecy is “alien to the conditions of service and the conventions as practised in the company over the years.”

    Mr. Mutawakilu thus demanded that the Minority halts the oath of secrecy since it breaches freedom of speech.

    The full statement from the Minority

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Stop attempts to gag your employees Minority to GRIDCo

    The Minority in Parliament has condemned an alleged move by GRIDCo to get its employees to sign a fresh Oath of Secrecy which will bar them from speaking on issues affecting the company.

    “This attempt is dangerous, it is inimical to the growth of the company and affront to the Right to Information Act,” the Minority said in a statement signed by Adam Mutawakilu, MP for Damongo and Ranking Member of the Mines and Energy Committee.

    The statement said as part of conditions of service of employees of GRIDCo, no employee is expected to speak to or release any such sensitive or classified information from the company to the general public and this is strictly applied and adhered to by employees “but the recent attempt to introduce the signing of an oath of secrecy is alien to the conditions of service and the conventions as practised in the company over the years.”

    The Minority noted that it suspects that as election 2020 draws closer, leadership and for that matter government is trying to use this oath of secrecy to gag employees from speaking out against acts that have the tendency to cause harm to the effective operations of GRIDCo.

    The Minority in Parliament is, therefore, demanding that management of GRIDCo and President Nana Akufo-Addo as a matter of urgency halt the proposed oath of secrecy as according to them “its application is a breach on the freedom of speech of employees, affront to the Right to Information Act and a dent on our growing democracy.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Minority condemns alleged plot to gag employees of GRIDCo

    The Minority in Parliament has condemned an alleged move by management of Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) to get its employees to sign an oath of secrecy.

    The application of the proposed act will bar employees from speaking on issues affecting the company amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee, Adam Mutawakilu in a statement accused the Akufo-Addo-led administration of orchestrating this dictatorial act to prevent employees of the power generating company from publicly airing their grievances.

    He noted that as the 2020 general draws near the incumbent government does not want its reputation to be dragged in the mud.

    Mr Mutawakilu who doubles as MP for Damongo charged President Nana Akufo-Addo and Management of GRIDCo to halt the proposed oath of secrecy as its application breaches the Right to information Act.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Blame games not the hallmark of effective coordination – GRIDCo to ECG

    Head of Public Affairs at the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) Ebenezer Amankwah, says the statement released by the Electricity Company of Ghana concerning the recent power outages is unfortunate.

    The ECG put out a statement yesterday saying that the outages that were experienced in Accra and other places were down to a technical challenge from GRIDCo.

    Mr Amankwah says it will be best for both parties to work together and not engage in blame games which will yield nothing.

    “It was unfortunate that the ECG will put such a statement out, as far as I am concerned blame games are not the hallmark of effective coordination and leadership. As key players in the power value chain it is appropriate we are always in contact and connected in terms of information flow because the public is looking to us for direction and credibility as far as power is concerned”.

    He also explained why the light suddenly went off in most parts of Accra on March 16, 2020.

    “Yesterday there was a schedule performance test on a new regulating gas station in Tema, so this led to a cessation of gas supply to some power plants in Tema, also as part of the test, Sunon Asogli plant was to shut down at 9 am and restart at 10 am but it encountered some difficulties, so these two incidents led to prolonged outages in the country yesterday,” he told Joy

    There were prolonged power outages in most part of Accra on March 16, this many fear ‘dumsor’ is returning but the Energy Minister has calm fears.

    GRIDCo undertakes economic dispatch and transmission of electricity from wholesale suppliers (generating companies) to bulk customers, which include the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and the Mines.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • GRIDCo clarifies recent power outages

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) says the recent power outages experienced in the country, was due to a scheduled performance test on a new regulating and metering gas station in Tema.

    It said the exercise was embarked upon by the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGPCo) on Monday, March 16.

    A statement issued by GRIDCo, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency, said this led to limited gas supply to power plants in the Tema enclave.

    “Additionally, some plants in the Aboadze enclave also experienced gas flow challenges; making them unable to generate power. These two incidents led to disruptions in available generation, resulting in prolonged power outages in parts of the country yesterday,” it said.

    “Subsequently, the gas challenges were resolved, and power was restored to all affected bulk supply points on Tuesday, March 17.”

    It noted that GRIDCo acknowledges its coordinating role in the power delivery value chain and would continue to project transparency and dedication at all times.

    “We continue to work closely with our stakeholders in the sector including the Volta River Authority (VRA), the IPPs, Electricity Company of Ghana and Northern Distribution Company (NEDCo) to ensure we reflect an atmosphere of coordination and collaboration in order to project a good image for the sector in the eyes of customers and the general public,” the statement said.

    “We want to urge Ghanaians to take note of our social media platforms @GhGridCo for Twitter and facebook.com/gridcogh for regular updates and information.”

    GRIDCo is a leading power transmission company in West Africa. It operates the Ghana Wholesale Electricity Market and provides electricity transmission services in Ghana and West Africa.

    Since its inception, GRIDCo has continuously ensured reliable supply of affordable electricity to households by continuously upgrading and extending the grid and the introduction of modern systems in compliance with IEC 61850. As a result, access to electricity in Ghana has increased from 66.7 per cent (2009) to 82.5 per cent (2016).

    The increase in electricity access has resulted in increased income, improved trade balance and the provision of local solutions.

    It has also contributed to industrial development and new job opportunities in the sub-region.

    In West Africa, GRIDCo has established inter and intra connections with countries to the North, East and West of its boundaries, as part of the West African Power Pool System and has positioned Ghana as a Net-Exporter within the Sub-region.

    Source: GNA

  • Why there were power outages in many parts of Ghana Saturday night

    Many parts of Ghana went into darkness Saturday night following a widespread power outage at about 9:30 pm.

    Areas affected included some parts of Accra, Kumasi, parts of the Volta Region and the Northern Region.

    A source at the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), told Graphic Online on Saturday night that the company had a disturbance on its main 330 kilo volts (KV) transmission line that affected most parts of the country.

    As of 10:20 pm, power had been restored to Sogakope and the next to have light was Accra, then Kumasi and other places in that order the source said.

    Graphic Online expects the power transmission company to provide a fuller media brief by Sunday, March 15.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • GRIDCo to demolish encroachers properties

    The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has said that it will demolish all structures of encroachers on its lands bordering its transmission lines, if moves are not made to evacuate the areas.

    This is due to the associated safety risks it poses to the public and the need for regular maintenance works on the lines by the company.

    Under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004, it is an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity in relation to lands around the location of power transmission lines.

    Activities including drilling, excavating, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate, operated in the area extending up to twenty (20) metres on each side from the centre line of the transmission towers are prohibited. These activities pose a danger to human life and property as a transmission line fault can result in casualties and damage to properties.

    Outage to customers can also be prolonged due to restricted access to the Right-of-Ways.

    The Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Jonathan Amoako-Baah, in a statement said: “We are very concerned with this trend across the country. Though we have chalked up some success by ejecting some encroachers, others have remained adamant. Over the years, we have carried out a lot of sensitisation programmes including print and electronic media publications, Information Services Department campaigns, and joint engagements with Municipal Assemblies.

    “We are also ready to undertake demolition exercises, where necessary, as part of four mandate to ensure the right thing is done. We are committed to carrying out our mandate as a power transmitter, and will do whatever is necessary to prevent interferences.”

    He added: “Over the past years, GRIDCo has had issues with encroachers along with its transmission towers and lands. These persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives. GRIDCo is working with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures, and to curb all forms of human activities”.

    Source: thebftonline.com

  • GRIDCo to demolish encroachers properties

    The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has said that it will demolish all structures of encroachers on its lands bordering its transmission lines, if moves are not made to evacuate the areas.

    This is due to the associated safety risks it poses to the public and the need for regular maintenance works on the lines by the company.

    Under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004, it is an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity in relation to lands around the location of power transmission lines.

    Activities including drilling, excavating, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate, operated in the area extending up to twenty (20) metres on each side from the centre line of the transmission towers are prohibited. These activities pose a danger to human life and property as a transmission line fault can result in casualties and damage to properties.

    Outage to customers can also be prolonged due to restricted access to the Right-of-Ways.

    The Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Jonathan Amoako-Baah, in a statement said: “We are very concerned with this trend across the country. Though we have chalked up some success by ejecting some encroachers, others have remained adamant. Over the years, we have carried out a lot of sensitisation programmes including print and electronic media publications, Information Services Department campaigns, and joint engagements with Municipal Assemblies.

    “We are also ready to undertake demolition exercises, where necessary, as part of four mandate to ensure the right thing is done. We are committed to carrying out our mandate as a power transmitter, and will do whatever is necessary to prevent interferences.”

    He added: “Over the past years, GRIDCo has had issues with encroachers along with its transmission towers and lands. These persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives. GRIDCo is working with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures, and to curb all forms of human activities”.

     

    Source: thebftonline.com

  • ‘Relocate or face demolition’ GRIDCo orders encroachers

    The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) on Wednesday directed all persons and institutions that had encroached on lands bordering its transmission lines, to take immediate steps to relocate or face demolition.

    GRIDCo noted that the presences of these individuals and companies poses risks to public safety and the need for regular maintenance works on the lines by the company.

    “We are ready to undertake demolition exercises, where necessary, as part of our mandate to move unauthorized structures from the power transmission lines which is a prohibited zone to ensure the right thing is done,” GRIDCo stated.

    Mr Jonathan Amoako-Baah, GRIDCo Chief Executive, in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said the company may even be compelled to surcharge the costs incurred during such exercises to the encroachers.

    He reiterated that it was an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity in relation to the lands around the location of power transmission lines.

    He said under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004, it was an offence to undertake any business near the power transmission lines, which was a prohibited zone.

    Illegal activities identified near the power transmission lines included drilling, excavating, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate, among others who are operating illegally in the area extending up to 20 meters on each side from the centre line of the transmission.

    He stated that these activities by the encroachers poses a great danger to human life and property as transmission line faults could result in casualties and damage to properties and outage to customers could also be prolonged due to restricted access to the Right-of-Ways.

    “We are very concerned with this trend across the country. Though we have chalked some success by ejecting some encroachers, others have remained adamant,” he said.

    Mr Amoako-Baah noted that over the years, they had carried out a lot of sensitisation programmes through the print and electronic media, Information Services Department campaigns and joint engagements with Municipal Assemblies.

    He said they were committed to carrying out their mandate as a power transmitter and will do whatever was necessary to prevent interferences.

    He indicated that GRIDCo had over the past years notified encroachers along its transmission towers and lands of the risk associated with their activities in the prohibited zones.

    He further stated that GRIDCo was working with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures and to curb all forms of human activities, within the Right-of-Ways, to safeguard public safety and ensure reliability of electricity supply.

    Source: GNA

  • Relocate or face demolition GRIDCo to encroachers

    The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) has informed all persons and institutions, that have encroached on lands bordering its transmission lines, to take immediate steps to relocate.

    This is due to the associated safety risks it poses to the public and the need for regular maintenance works on the lines by the company.

    Under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004, it is an offence for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity in relation to the lands around the location of power transmission lines. Activities including drilling, excavating, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate, operated in the area extending up to twenty (20) meters on each side from the centre line of the transmission towers are prohibited.

    These activities pose a danger to human life and property as transmission line faults can result in casualties and damage to properties. Outage to customers could also be prolonged due to restricted access to the Right-of-Ways.

    Chief Executive of GRIDCo, Jonathan Amoako-Baah, in a statement, said:
    “We are very concerned with this trend across the country. Though we have chalked some success by ejecting some encroachers, others have remained adamant. Over the years, we have carried out a lot of sensitisation programmes including print and electronic media publications, Information Services Department campaigns and joint engagements with Municipal Assemblies.

    “We are also ready to undertake demolition exercises, where necessary, as part of our mandate to ensure the right thing is done. We are committed to carrying out our mandate as a power transmitter and will do whatever is necessary to prevent interferences.”

    “Over the past years, GRIDCo has had issues with encroachers along its transmission towers and lands. These persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives.

    “GRIDCo is working with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures and to curb all forms of human activities, within the Right-of-Ways, to safeguard public safety and ensure reliability of electricity supply. The company may even be compelled to surcharge the costs incurred during such exercises to the encroachers.”

     

    Source: Ghana Grid Company

  • VALCo, ECG owe GRIDCo US32m, GHC607m respectively Staff

    The Volta Aluminum Company (VALCo) owes the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) US$32million, President of the GRIDCo Staff Union, Raphael Kornor, has said at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, November 21.

    He added that as of March 1, 2019, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) similarly owed GRIDCo about GHC607million.

    Strike looms as GRIDCo gives ECG et al two-week ultimatum

    The workers are, therefore, calling on authorities to ensure that these monies owed GRIDCo are paid.

    Mr Kornor indicated that staff will on Friday, November 29, 2019, stage a demonstration over 32 million owed the company by key stakeholders in the energy sector.

    The workers said they will match en mass to the Electricity Company of Ghana Volta Aluminum Company (VALCO) and the Ministry of Finance in demand of unsettled debts.

    GRIDCo workers to march over GHC1.2bn debt

    The workers who have commenced an industrial action by withdrawing all emergency services on Thursday, November 21, 2019, have been directed by leadership of the Union not to provide any further services beyond the official working hours at 4.

    Members have also been directed to hoist red flags raising signals of turbulent times ahead for the energy sector.

    Source: laudbusiness.com