Electricity Grid Code Now In Force
Thursday January 28, 2010
By Lawrence Markwei
The Energy Commission has launched a national electricity grid code which spells out guidelines and responsibilities for power producers to promote efficiency.
The grid code establishes the requirements, procedures, practices and standards that must govern the development, operation, maintenance and use of high voltage transmission by electricity producers.
The code is to ensure that electricity producers provide fair, transparent non-discriminatory, safe, reliable, secure and cost-efficient delivery of power.
Speaking at the launch, in Accra yesterday Board member of the commission, Dr. Francis Bawaana Dakura said the code was based on the provisions of section 24, 27 and 28 at the Energy Commission Act 541 that stipulates how the operations of power producers need to be co-ordinated to ensure efficiency.
He said the code prescribes the responsibilities and obligations involved in the supply, transmission and delivery of bulk electricity power and energy.
Dr. Dakura who is also the Member of Parliament for Jirapa said many stakeholders provided valuable inputs and contributions which have been incorporated in the code.
However he said the code will not be the last document required for the full realization of the envisioned whole sale electricity market under the power sector reform programme.
Dr. Dakura said electricity market rules are in the pipeline to help establish a fully-fledged wholesale marketing of electricity.
“I am aware that the Ghana Grid Company is collaborating with the Energy Commission, the Public Utility Regulatory Commission and other industry players and experts to put these market rates also in place as soon as possible.
The code he said will be subjected to periodic reviews to keep pace with developments in the energy sector.
The maiden version of the code will be tested over the next 12 months during which public comments would be welcomed on its performance.
At the end of the test period, an assessment would be made based on the comments and review proposals received from stakeholders and experts.
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Science /Environment
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