KEY POINTS
- Sunon Asogli and Amandi shut down, worsening power outages.
- ECG says Amandi’s shutdown is due to routine maintenance.
- Other producers cut supply, sparking fears of more outages.
At least two independent power producers (IPPs) that contribute to the country’s electricity supply have ceased operations, citing payment challenges.
Sunon Asogli and Amandi halt operations, fueling dumsor
In early October, the Sunon Asogli Power Plant shut down operations, and more recently, Amandi Energy also suspended production. This has reduced the nation’s power supply, exacerbating frequent power outages, commonly referred to as dumsor.
However, Acting Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Ing. David Asamoah disputed claims that Amandi’s shutdown was caused by debts owed to the company.
Speaking on Myjoyonlline on Saturday, Nov. 23, Asamoah explained that Amandi’s halt in production was due to scheduled maintenance.
“Amandi has gone off not because of the fact that we owe them, but because they are undertaking their annual maintenance, which is usually done in November,” he said.
Asamoah added that ECG attempted to negotiate with Amandi to postpone the maintenance, but the company insisted it could not delay due to insurance coverage conditions.
“We met with them [Amandi] and tried to negotiate, but their explanation is that if they delay the maintenance, they will lose their insurance cover for their materials,” he said.
Three other power producers reduce output, raising fears
Meanwhile, three other power producers—Karpowership Energy, AKSA Energy, and Cenit Energy Limited—have reduced their power output, raising concerns that they, too, could shut down operations. Such a development would further worsen the ongoing dumsor crisis.
Asamoah downplayed these fears, stating that the reduction in supply from these companies was not as significant as reported. He noted that Karpowership Energy’s decreased output was also due to a maintenance issue.
While the nation grapples with a reduced power supply, the ECG insists it is working with the power producers to mitigate further disruptions.
