The PURC Volta/Oti Regional Office conducted an inspection to assess damages caused to ECG electricity poles by bushfires. The inspection was conducted after several reports of power outages in parts of the Volta Region due to burnt poles in January and February 2024.  The exercise, which took place from 13th to 15th February 2024, was in fulfilment of the Commission’s mandate to safeguard the rights of consumers and utility service providers, and to monitor the standards for providing quality electricity and water services.

The areas visited included the areas between Kpenoe through Hodzo-Tokokoe-Shia-Klave-Honuta-Kpedze-Matse to Ho in the Ho Central Municipality.  The Commission also inspected burnt poles from Kpetoe through Ziope-Gornikope-Wute -Akatsi- Tadzewu -Lume -Ave Afiadenyigba - Ave Dakpa, Ave Dzelele, Adaklu Waya-Mafi Sasekpe in the Agortime, Adaklu, Akatsi North and South Districts.

The exercise also served as a platform to educate consumers in the communities visited. They were sensitised to be conscious of the effects of bushfires on ECG networks as such acts, besides causing financial loss to ECG, could also lead to an extended period of power outages in the affected communities. A number of high-tension poles were burnt as a result of farming activities along ECG networks and the refusal of farmers to create fire belts around the poles in their fields.

The PURC is calling on the Media, Assembly members, teachers and opinion leaders to help educate the public about the dangers of bushfires. The Commission also implores ECG to clear vegetation along its lines to protect the poles from burning as overgrown bushes along the lines are easily consumed by fire.