The Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG, says it recorded a total loss of GHC153,554.50 through illegal connection from January to March 2017 in the Eastern region.

However, the company has managed to retrieve GHC122,917.52.

Currently the loss control unit of the Company is intensifying its operations to discover illegal connections in the region.

READ ALSO:New MiDA board under pressure to list ECG on the stock market

“A total assessment of illegal connection from January to March 2017 stood at GHC153,554.50 and that about GHC122,917.52 of that total amount had been paid.”

According to the Eastern regional Manager of ECG Ing. Michael Baah said apart from the illegal connection non-payment of bills, cable theft, bush fires, Chainsaw operation and illegal mining have become impediment to the smooth operation of the company in the Eastern region.”

The 2× 10MVA 33/11KV capacity primary substations in Suhum and Asamankese areas which are 90% completed would help to improve voltage supply and also ensure reliability in the areas thereby addressing the low voltage experiencing by customers particularly at Asamankese.

READ ALSO:Mass disconnection exercise ongoing in Ashanti Region

Asamankese and Suhum areas have been struggling with low Voltage due to long distance of power supply .The situation has affected the local economy to the extent that banks and other companies have to mostly depend on generators to work.

The substations when completed will solve the challenge and provide reliable power to about 40,000 and 31 000 customers in Asamankese and Suhum respectively.