The Volta Regional General Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Christina Jatoe Kaleo, has assured residents of the company’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a stable power supply during the Christmas season.

Speaking at a recent media engagement held in Ho, she reflected on the challenges faced over the years, detailed significant accomplishments, and outlined the company’s plans to address critical issues during the festive period.

Reflecting on the early part of the year, Ms Kaleo acknowledged the hurdles ECG faced with billing anomalies, which caused widespread customer dissatisfaction.

She recounted, “We had issues with billing. Customers were agitated and worried. We were working hard, but the results were not immediate.”

However, through strategic interventions, the company corrected about 90 per cent of the high estimates, with plans in place to address the remaining cases during the holidays.

“We’ve put structures and measures in place, and while the rest of the country will be breaking for Christmas, portions of our staff, particularly in billing, maintenance, and operations, will be working tirelessly to ensure the lights stay on,” she added.

Ms Kaleo emphasised the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction, urging customers to report any power-related issues via the ECG Power App, the toll-free call center at 0302611611, or by visiting the nearest ECG office.

“We have a 24/7 call center to address concerns promptly,” she said, highlighting the company’s efforts to make customer interactions seamless and efficient during the festive season.

She also encouraged customers to continue paying their bills promptly, as revenue generated is essential for fuel purchases, staff allowances, and operational efficiency.

The ECG manager raised concerns about illegal connections, a recurrent issue during festive seasons, and appealed to the public to report such activities.

“Illegal connections are unfair to paying customers and detrimental to the nation. As good citizens, please report any cases of illegal connections. Your identity will be protected,” she assured.

Additionally, she called for energy conservation, cautioning against the unnecessary use of electrical appliances.

“Switch off gadgets you don’t need. Conserving energy not only reduces your bills but ensures a steady supply for others,” she advised.

Highlighting the impact of bushfires on ECG infrastructure, Ms Kaleo revealed that close to 100 utility poles were destroyed last year in the Volta and Oti regions due to bushfires, diverting resources meant for expansion projects.

“These poles could have extended electricity to other communities. We are ready to pay informant fees for genuine reports about those responsible for bushfires,” she stated, urging residents to avoid activities that could harm ECG installations.

Ms. Kaleo detailed significant projects undertaken by ECG, including upgrades to transformers and ongoing construction of a new substation at Sokode to double supply capacity for the region.

“The new 40kV transformer will complement the existing 20kV unit, ensuring stable supply even during maintenance,” she explained.

The company is also working on a double-circuit tower line system to provide redundancy during outages.

“This acts like a spare tire, ensuring uninterrupted power supply while repairs are made,” she added.

Expressing gratitude to customers and the media for their support, Ms. Kaleo acknowledged their contributions to ECG’s success.

“Some of our customers have been wonderful, paying their bills regularly and engaging with us constructively. The media has been instrumental in educating and informing the public,” she noted.

She concluded with a pledge to improve services and deepen customer engagement in the coming year. “Together, we can make significant strides for the benefit of all,” she said.

With a strong commitment to excellence, ECG’s Volta Regional team is poised to deliver a “Christmas full of lights,” ensuring customers enjoy the festive season without disruptions.