PURC Replaces 10 Faulty Transformers, Restoring Power Prospects for 61,000 Central Region Customers

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has facilitated the replacement of 10 damaged and overloaded electricity distribution transformers across communities in Ghana’s Central Region, an intervention expected to improve power supply for approximately 61,004 customers.

The exercise was undertaken through PURC’s Central Regional Office in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) following persistent complaints from consumers about prolonged power outages.

Communities affected

The affected areas include Ajumako-Bisease, Katakyiase, Saltpond-Kurankyekrom, Cape Coast-Social Welfare, Nyankumasi Ahenkro, Saltpond Town, Agona, Anomabo, Ekumfi Edukuma and Gomoamaim.

Some communities reportedly experienced outages lasting several weeks, with residents in certain areas going without reliable electricity for almost two months.

At Ajumako-Bisease, about 5,835 customers were affected by an outage that lasted roughly one month. Saltpond Township recorded an estimated 8,000 affected customers, while about 7,500 customers in Anomabo experienced interruptions lasting between three weeks and one month.

Gomoamaim was among the communities that suffered the longest disruption, with approximately 4,000 customers reportedly without electricity for nearly two months.

Businesses suffer losses

The prolonged power interruptions had consequences beyond household inconvenience.

Small businesses, including cold stores, drinking spots, barbering and hairdressing salons, restaurants and provision shops, reportedly lost operating hours and customers. Some businesses also faced losses from products that spoiled because of the extended outages.

The estimated cost of replacing the 10 transformers is about GH¢550,000.

Consumer complaints trigger intervention

According to PURC, its monitoring activities and engagements with consumers helped identify transformer-related problems contributing to the prolonged interruptions.

The Commission subsequently engaged ECG and called for the affected communities to receive priority attention for the necessary technical interventions.

PURC says the intervention forms part of its responsibility to protect utility consumers and promote efficient, reliable and sustainable electricity services.

The Commission has also highlighted the importance of consumers reporting persistent service problems, noting that complaints and feedback can help regulators identify weaknesses within utility operations.

Power stability expected

With the replacement of the 10 transformers, PURC expects electricity supply in the affected communities to become more stable.

For households and businesses that endured weeks of unreliable power, the intervention could provide much-needed relief while allowing local economic activity to return to normal.

The development also highlights the importance of maintaining and upgrading electricity distribution infrastructure as demand for reliable power continues to grow.