Kumasi: The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to its customers, advising them against employing unauthorized private electricians to carry out operations within its network. This caution comes as the company faces significant losses due to illegal activities by these electricians.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. George Amoah, the General Manager of the Ashanti West Region of ECG, highlighted the illegal nature of the operations conducted by unauthorized electricians. These activities include climbing poles, using substandard fuses on transformers, and transferring customers from one phase to another, all of which lead to frequent power cuts, low voltage, power fluctuations, and damage to transformers.
Recently, the ECG suffered the loss of a 33kV transformer in Bousie, located in its Suame District, which had to be replaced with a 200kV transformer costing Ghc 110,000.00. Mr. Amoah noted that areas such as the Adum Business District and Abinkyi have also experienced damage to ECG installations due to unauthorized electrician activities.
The unauthorized actions are not only causing damage to transformers but are also resulting in outages and low voltage for customers. Mr. Amoah explained that swapping phases for customers often leads to overloading a particular phase. He stressed that the ECG incurs financial losses from replacing damaged installations and from unused power supply already paid for during outages caused by these electricians.
Mr. Amoah also highlighted the risks unauthorized electricians face when operating within the ECG network, including the potential for electrical shocks. He explained that the ECG's ring system allows for power supply from different feeders during outages, meaning electricians might mistakenly assume there is no power in the lines, leading to accidental electrocution.
In a recent engagement with residents of Dabaa in the Atwima Nwabiagya North Municipality, it was revealed that a private electrician frequently charged GhC150 to restore power during outages. Regular load monitoring showed that this electrician had overloaded the red phase of the transformer by transferring numerous customers onto it.
Mr. Amoah emphasized the necessity for electricians and engineers working within the ECG network to obtain permits from the company, which can be identified by their Identification Cards, branded ECG reflector vests, helmets, vehicles, and safety gear. He warned that anyone caught engaging in illegal activities would face prosecution as mandated by the Executive Instrument (EI) 38 of the Appointment of Public Prosecution Instrument (2010).
