The Ministry of Energy says there will be a further drop in the electricity tariff paid by power users. Deputy Minister of Energy, responsible for Finance and Infrastructure, Joseph Cudjoe at a press briefing following frequent power outages disclosed the ministry was swaying towards gas generated power although the shutdown of the Atuabo Gas Plant has created a shortfall.
Ghanaians have had to endure darkness at dawn following power outages at about 4:00am for two days straight but the Energy Ministry maintains the interruptive power supply is not because of financial challenges in the power sector nor due to shortage of fuel at the Tema Oil Refinery rather Deputy Minister for Energy in charge of Power, William Owuraku-Aidoo submits the outages are as a result of the temporary planned shutdown of the Atuabo Gas Plant in the Western Region to allow for an interconnection project that would transfer gas to the Tema.
He assured government had enough money to procure fuel to support the power generation plants.
Deputy Minister in charge of Petroleum, Hon. Mohammed Amin noted that in as much as government understands the plight of Ghanaians regarding the recent power cuts, the shutdown was inevitable as each day of the delayed shutdown costs the country US$400,000.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TOR, Mr Isaac Osei informed media men 10,500 tonnes of diesel had been received from Stratcom Energy for the VRA, while 11,000 tonnes of heavy fuel had also been received from Gold Energy for the AKSA Ghana plant. He said 300,000 barrels of light crude oil had been received for the VRA.
“We are in the process of loading the BRVs to distribute the fuel to the right destinations. We can do 1,000 tonnes a day, but we are talking to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to allow us to work beyond 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., so that we can do 1,500 tonnes. We are ready to work on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that we clear all,” he submitted painting a picture that as far as fuel to power the plants was concerned there was enough at this moment.
The planned shutdown according to the Minister is expected to last about 12 days after which regular power would be restored.
By Michael Eli Dokosi/goldstreetbusiness.com
