The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has facilitated the replacement of 10 damaged and overloaded transformers across the Central Region after persistent electricity outages left thousands of households and businesses without power for weeks.
The intervention, carried out through PURC’s Central Regional Office in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana, is expected to improve supply reliability for approximately 61,004 customers.
The affected areas include Ajumako Bisease, Katakyiase, Saltpond Kurankyekrom, Cape Coast Social Welfare, Nyankumasi Ahenkro, Saltpond Township, Agona, Anomabo, Ekumfi Edukuma and Gomoamaim.
PURC estimates the replacement cost at about GH¢550,000.
Some Communities Endured Weeks Without Power
Several communities experienced unusually long interruptions before the transformers were replaced.
At Ajumako Bisease, about 5,835 customers were without electricity for approximately one month. Around 8,000 consumers in Saltpond Township endured an outage lasting about six weeks.
In Anomabo, approximately 7,500 customers faced interruptions ranging from three weeks to one month, while about 4,000 customers at Gomoamaim reportedly remained without electricity for almost two months.
Other affected communities experienced outages lasting between two weeks and more than a month.
Small Businesses Hit by Prolonged Outages
The disruptions affected businesses whose operations depend heavily on reliable power.
Cold stores, restaurants, drinking spots, barbershops, salons and provision shops were among businesses that lost working hours, customers and, in some cases, perishable goods.
PURC said its monitoring activities and engagements with consumers helped identify transformer failures and overloading as major contributors to the prolonged interruptions.
The Commission subsequently engaged ECG and requested that the affected communities be prioritised for technical intervention.
PURC said the exercise reflects its mandate to protect consumers and promote reliable utility services. It also stressed that complaints from customers remain important in drawing attention to service failures requiring regulatory action.
With the new transformers installed, the Commission expects more stable electricity supply across the affected communities and some relief for businesses and households disrupted by the outages.
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