ECG Installs High-Capacity Transformers in Kumasi to Improve Power Stability

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has commenced the installation of two high-capacity power transformers at the Ridge Bulk Supply Point in Kumasi, as part of a broader effort to enhance electricity supply reliability across the Ashanti Regional capital.

The project involves replacing two existing 20/26MVA transformers with upgraded 30/39MVA units, a development expected to significantly boost the station’s capacity and reduce pressure on the distribution network.

According to ECG, the upgrade is a direct response to recent intermittent outages and voltage fluctuations experienced in parts of Kumasi, which have been largely driven by increasing electricity demand rather than generation shortfalls.

The Acting Managing Director of ECG, Mr Julius Kwame Kpekpena, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring that power infrastructure keeps pace with rapid urban growth and rising consumption levels.

“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,” he said.

He added that the investment forms part of a wider strategy to modernise Ghana’s power distribution network and improve the quality of service delivered to both residential and industrial consumers.

Technical officials on site described the installation as both urgent and complex, noting that the existing transformers had been operating under sustained pressure due to increased load demand.

The Manager for Substation and Switchgear Maintenance at the Ashanti Sub-Transmission Division explained that the new transformers would provide much-needed operational flexibility and system resilience.

“These new units give the system breathing room and improve overall stability, particularly during peak demand periods,” he said.

The installation process is being jointly coordinated by teams from ECG’s Accra and Ashanti Sub-Transmission Divisions, underscoring the scale and strategic importance of the project.

ECG has scheduled the installation works for 6 and 7 May, with energisation expected shortly after completion and testing of the new equipment.

To ensure the safety of personnel and equipment during the installation process, the company announced that controlled power outages will be implemented on both days between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

This will involve the temporary shutdown of sections of the 33kV network, as well as managed load distribution across 11kV feeders in order to minimise disruption to customers.

The company assured residents and businesses that the planned outages are carefully coordinated and limited in duration to reduce inconvenience.

Mr Collins Manu, Communications Officer for Ashanti Sub-Transmission, acknowledged the temporary disruption but stressed that the long-term benefits of the project far outweigh the short-term challenges.

“We understand the inconvenience, but these are necessary steps to deliver a more reliable and efficient power system for our customers,” he said.

Energy analysts say such investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure are essential to addressing persistent power quality issues, particularly in fast-growing urban centres like Kumasi.

They note that strengthening substation capacity and upgrading ageing equipment can significantly improve voltage stability, reduce system overloads and minimise the frequency of outages.

The Ridge Bulk Supply Point plays a critical role in supplying electricity to key parts of Kumasi, making its upgrade a strategic intervention in the region’s power network.

Once completed, the project is expected to enhance overall network performance, support economic activity and improve service delivery to households and businesses across the metropolis.

The initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen Ghana’s energy infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply to support industrial growth and urban development.