The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has installed high-capacity transformers at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point in Kumasi to address frequent outages and voltage fluctuations. The upgrade is part of ongoing measures to enhance reliability and improve service delivery to consumers in the Ashanti Region. The project replaces two existing 20/26MVA transformers with upgraded 30/39MVA units, significantly boosting station capacity and easing pressure on the network.
This upgrade directly addresses recent intermittent outages and voltage fluctuations in parts of Kumasi, which have been driven by rising demand rather than generation shortfalls. ECG’s Acting Managing Director has emphasised the strategic importance of the project:
“Kumasi is expanding, and electricity demand is rising with it. This upgrade ensures our infrastructure keeps pace so customers can enjoy more stable and reliable power.” On site, the Manager for Substation and Switchgear Maintenance at the Ashanti Sub-Transmission Division described the work as both urgent and complex:
“The existing transformers are under pressure. These new units give the system breathing room and improve overall stability.” Teams from the Accra and Ashanti Sub-Transmission Divisions are jointly coordinating the installation. The transformers are scheduled to be installed on May 6 and 7, with energisation planned shortly after.
Installation Schedule
May 6: Replace and energise Transformer 2. May 7: Replace and energise Transformer 1
Outage Details
To ensure safe operations, ECG will implement controlled outages on May 6 and 7 between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. There will be a temporary shutdown of sections of the 33kV network and managed load distribution on 11kV feeders. ECG has assured customers that the interruptions are carefully planned and limited in duration.
“We understand the inconvenience, but these are necessary steps to deliver a more reliable system,” said Collins Manu, Communications Officer of Ashanti Sub-Transmission.
Source: Benjamin Aidoo
