THE frequent power outages, sometimes resulting in fire outbreaks in homes and offices, have become a source of worry to many users of electrical power.
Indeed, over the last few years electricity has done considerable damage to household items, public and private buildings.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has, time and again, spoken about the challenges facing it in the distribution of power to all parts of the country.
It has told the public about the overloaded sub-stations in various parts of the country, making it difficult for it to supply power to the ever-growing population.
Besides, almost all the cities and major towns and even villages are expanding beyond their seams, thereby over-stretching the facilities of the ECG.
Looking at the physical development process throughout the country, it appears that our actions are feeding into the popular saying that “if your fail to plan, you plan to fail”. This is because physical or spatial development activities in the cities are not following any laid down plans or regulations.
The mood of consumers is not a pleasant one, especially relating to the attitude towards the ECG in recent times. To many consumers, the company does not bother itself about the plight of its customers because it does not inform them about any intended disruptions, and if disruptions are caused by technical faults, customers are not alerted.
Individuals and organisations are incurring extra cost in the running of their businesses because they have to buy generating sets as standby in case power goes off. It is very irritating when power goes off many times without a single word from officials of the ECG.
The Daily Graphic thinks what has become more disturbing is the fact that many of the recent fire outbreaks have been attributed to electrical faults.
Although it is yet to be established that power cuts are responsible for the fire outbreaks, it is about time the government enforced the regulations and standards in electrical installations in public, commercial and residential facilities in the country.
The DAILY GRAPHIC does not expect an immediate end to the frequent power cuts. However, what is reassuring is the decision by the Accra West Directorate of the ECG to engage various stakeholders in the Accra metropolis to find ways by which the frequent power cuts can be addressed.
Addressing the stakeholders, Alhaji Dauda Alhassan Jangu, the Accra West Director of the ECG, noted that it was facing problems which it needed to share with its customers and that it had put in place programmes to enable customers to access quality power.
For once, the ECG is being proactive in taking the problems to its customers, so that they can understand the present challenges and see how they can adjust to the circumstances.
The ECG did not treat its customers very well in the past, for which reason this latest move by the Accra West Directorate should be taken with a pinch of salt. After all, it is said, “Beware of the Greeks when they come with gifts.”
The only way the ECG can regain the confidence of its customers is to offer efficient and reliable services to its customers.
As things stand now, the company has lost all its goodwill and the only way it can regain it is to work hard to resolve the challenges.
The DAILY GRAPHIC knows that the task of solving the problems is quite Herculean but it can be done if the workers rededicate themselves to rendering dedicated services to the people.
We also appeal to consumers to honour their obligations to the ECG in a timely manner so that it can have the resources to provide reliable and efficient power for the people, as well as extend power to under-served areas.
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