<<Print>>

Ghanaians have been urged to conserve energy as the government works to find a lasting solution to the power outages. The measure being considered include cheaper fuel sources for thermal generation and the introduction of standby generating units, as well as full resumption of thermal generating units. The Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, made the appeal during a tour of the Akosombo, Kpong, Tema and Aboadze Power enclaves at the weekend. The minister said even though there were hydro, solar and thermal generating units across the country, some of these units had been saddled with some challenges. He said the situation was not a hopeless one and that the government was working hard to find long-term solutions to the power generation problems. Additions Mr Buah said engineers at the Aboadze enclave had promised to add 110 megawatts , while Kpong was also preparing to add 220. The anticipated arrival of the emergency 460MWs power barges, he said, would also help. He said the issue of constant supply of gas to the units was being handled, with the gas task force making a lot of progress. An engineer at the Volta River Authority, Mr Stephen Arzuah, said there was enough fuel for all the plants for the next 21 days and there were also plans to ensure that stocks were replenished before they ran out.