General News of Monday, 1 October 2007

Source: GNA

VRA, ECG urge obligatory power conservation

Accra, Oct. 1, GNA - The Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their cooperation during the national load shedding period which ended Sept.30, but cautioned that continuous supply would be guaranteed only when consumers conserve electricity as a matter of obligation. "We take this opportunity, however, to appeal to consumers to continue to conserve electricity, as a matter of obligation, by using only energy efficient (CFL) bulbs, energy-saving refrigerators, air conditioners and other electrical equipment and also turn off their electrical gadgets and lights when not in use," the two companies said in a joint statement.

In doing so, the VRA assures consumers of tangible benefits such as continuous supply of electricity and reduction in their electricity bills, the statement added.

Energy Minister Joseph Adda last Saturday announced the end of the load shedding programme which the VRA began since August last year, following a shortfall in the country's energy supply, triggered by recession of water in the Akosombo dam reservoir.