PDS will release its schedule of power cuts starting today – PURC

General News on Friday, April 5th, 2019

Source: citinewsroom.com

2019-04-05

Ghanaians can now breathe a sigh of relief as steps have been taken to provide them with a schedule of the latest blackouts.

The decision was made during a meeting between the Energy Distribution Services (PDS), the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) on Thursday.

Bawa Mounkeila, PURC Public Relations Manager and confirming the results of the meeting on Eyewitness News, said daily updates on power outages had become necessary to take the ordinary citizen out of power challenges. .
"… So we insisted that PDS make an announcement at least 24 hours a day. If there is any information to give to those who will leave on a given day, they will know it in advance. It should not take us more than 24 hours. However, when announcements are made, we will monitor and ensure that this is followed religiously. By Friday, we should expect daily updates on power outages. "

"PURC thinks that the customer should not suffer from the difficulties we are going through. What we are saying is that they provide information telling the client when he or she [will be without power]. The commission asked for a timetable for the entire 10 to 12 day period indicated by the minister, "he added.

The government was forced to publish a load shed schedule for the country.

The African Center for Energy Policies (ACEP) said that, given the facts available, the current energy situation is symptomatic of what happened before the country was plunged into the formidable era of dummies under the Mahama government.

Its executive director, Benjamin Boakye, said the publication of a load shed schedule would help Ghanaians plan their lives.

"That's how it all started. In 2011 and 2012, when we were dealing with the problem and we had not solved the problem before the situation escalated. We had to spend 12 hours, 24 hours of rest. We do not want to be in this situation. We must be frank about the challenges we face, and then solve it as a country.

"At any time, when there is dumsor, there should be a way to communicate. If you are going to take my lights, you must tell me. I do not understand why there is this delay on the part of PDS when GRIDCo has informed you of the need to spread all over the country. You have to let the public know that you will take its light and that requires a schedule. I do not know what delays the arrival of a schedule. "

This call is also in line with that of the minority MPs who also called on the government to be frank with Ghanaians and to publish a schedule for reducing charges following recent power outages across the country.