By Dominic Hlordzi
The Independent Power Generators Ghana, IPGG, says the causes of the recent power disruptions are not only exaggerated but largely misrepresented, by some spokespersons of the utilities and energy experts.
A statement themed: “Unveiling the myths around the recent intermittent power outages on the grid” signed by the CEO of IPGG, Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor, observed that the root causes of the inconsistencies in the power supply are multifaceted and are primarily due to strategic planning choices and operational methodologies.
The statement said evidential factors creating the supply gap are the bias and inefficient allocation and use of the limited natural gas resource.
“The continuous allocation of the limited available natural gas resource to the over-aged and inefficient simple cycle thermal plants of the Volta River Authority (VRA) has compounded the challenges.” The statement claimed.
The IPGG said some of the plants are significantly less efficient in output compared to the modern combined cycle plants operated by the Independent Power Generators.
This is illustrated in the table below:
| Offtake (Takoradi) | Flow Rate | Units | Load {MW) |
| VRA Takoradi | 80 | 3 | 328 |
| Karpowership | 60 | 19 | 340 |
| Amandi TCE | 29 | 12 | 180 |
From the table above:
The VRA’s simple cycle and over-aged power plant received 80mmscf of natural
and generated only 328MW of electricity.
Karpowership, an IPG and a modern combine cycle plant received 60mmscf of natural gas and generated 340MW.
The IPGG noted that without any ambiguity, it is clear that giving more gas to the IPP – Karpowership, would have yielded more electricity to the grid than to VRA;
In Tema, the VRA simple cycle plant received 67mmscf of natural gas and produced only 330MW.
Sunon Asogli, an IPG and a modern day combined-cycle, received 55mmscf of natural gas and added 320MW to the grid. This is considered economic and technical efficiency.
Meanwhile, Sunon Asogli 1(200MW) is idle and accumulating idle capacity charge, whilst the VRA’s plants continue to
fire. This the IPGG asked, “where is the Scale of Preference and the Economic Merit Order Dispatch?”
Again, CenPower and Bridge Power received 30mmscf and 31mmscf of natural gas respectively and yielded 175MW and 200MW in the same order.
The statement said giving CenPower upto 55mmscf will yield or generate about 320MW.
The IPGG therefore concludes that the shortage on the grid is fake and avoidable.
“The disparity in efficiency does not only affects the overall power generation but also escalates the operational costs ultimately borne by the Electricity Company Ghana (ECG).” The statement observed.
The Independent Power Generators said the management of the limited natural gas resource, in this challenging times, requires economic and logical reasoning for optimum productivity.
It asserts that it is crucial to make certain clarifications, based on scientific analysis and best practice, devoid of politics, to ensure that accurate information on the power situation is available to all.
To support the economic recovery efforts of the government, the IPGG entreated VRA to desist from the cheap electricity export, which could maximize ECG’s revenue making ability and allow the underutilized contracted thermal capacities, which have debt toll on the sector, to be exported to reduce the idle capacity obligations on ECG.
