The Public Utility Workers Union of TUC-Ghana (PUWC) has refuted claims made by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) regarding the role of faulty distribution transformers in the ongoing power outages.
In contrast to ECG’s assertions, the union argues that the power distribution company has an adequate supply of distribution transformers within its network. Therefore, they assert that the malfunctioning transformers cannot solely be blamed for the intermittent power outages, commonly known as dumsor.
Recently, ECG attributed the current power supply challenges to technical issues from the power transmission company, GRIDCo. Additionally, ECG highlighted that approximately 630 transformers are overloaded, exacerbating the power outages.
However, the Public Utility Workers Union of TUC released a statement emphasizing that ECG’s network encompasses 33,000 distribution transformers. Consequently, they argue that the impact of the 630 faulty transformers should be relatively insignificant in the overall context of the power distribution system.
“The replacement and upgrade of such transformers have been routine operations for ECG, but it has never sparked public agitation like the current national outcry over load shedding,” part of the statement read.
The group has urged energy sector regulators to promptly address the challenges faced by the power distribution company to prevent any potential escalation of the situation.