The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun an emergency load shedding programme following a period of relative stability in supply in the past month. According to the ECG, the current exercise has resulted from difficulties facing power generation companies. Consumers since the beginning of last month enjoyed relative stability in power supply as a result of additional power brought in from neighbouring Ivory Coast and a reduction in consumption by mining companies during the yuletide. Demand has since shot up, and according to ECG Director of Operations Tetteh Okine, the erratic power supply may continue until there is enough power in the pool to stabilize the situation.