By Hon. Abdul kargbo
Electricity is a fundamental necessity in modern society, powering homes, businesses, and industries. However, in many parts of the world, unstable electricity supply has become a persistent problem, causing serious consequences, including fire outbreaks, damaged appliances, and loss of lives and property.
I recently became a victim of this harsh reality when my home was burnt down due to bad electricity supply. Just a week before the incident, I witnessed another terrifying event—my nephew’s phone exploded while charging. At the time, I thought it was an isolated issue, perhaps a faulty battery or charger. But looking back, it was a warning sign of the disaster that was to come.
Unstable power supply, particularly instances of overvoltage, can cause severe electrical fires. Many households have lost their homes, belongings, and, in some cases, their loved ones due to these power surges. Electrical appliances are not designed to handle extreme voltage fluctuations, and when such surges occur, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode, leading to catastrophic consequences.
I am not alone in this experience. Across the country, many homes have been destroyed due to unstable electricity. In many urban and rural areas, residents live in constant fear of electrical faults. Overvoltage is particularly dangerous because it happens suddenly, without warning, and can affect multiple homes at once.
In most cases, these incidents occur due to poor infrastructure, lack of investment in power distribution networks, and outdated transformers that fail to regulate voltage levels properly. Many of these transformers are decades old, struggling to keep up with modern electricity demands. Instead of receiving steady, controlled power, homes are subjected to erratic voltage spikes that can destroy appliances and cause electrical fires.
Despite the poor state of the electricity sector, consumers are forced to pay exorbitant tariffs. Since 2018, electricity tariffs have skyrocketed by over 300%, yet the quality of service has not improved. Outages are frequent, voltage fluctuations are rampant, and many areas experience load shedding for days, sometimes even weeks.
To make matters worse, the government has failed to provide affordable alternatives. Instead, they reduced the cost of electricity supplied by Karpowership, a floating power plant provider, yet still increased the tariffs for ordinary citizens. This contradictory move has left many questioning the priorities of the government. If the cost of acquiring electricity from Karpowership has been reduced, why are consumers paying more? Where is the additional revenue going?
Furthermore, despite the increased tariffs, the government still struggles to buy fuel for power generation. This raises serious concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of accountability within the energy sector. If citizens are paying more than ever for electricity, there should be a corresponding improvement in infrastructure, maintenance, and service delivery. Yet, we continue to experience worse conditions.
The electricity crisis is not just an economic issue; it is a matter of public safety. The government and the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authorities (EDSA) must take urgent action to address the instability in the power supply. Key steps that must be taken include:
1. Upgrading Power Infrastructure: Many of the transformers, power lines, and distribution centers are outdated and need immediate replacement. Investing in modern power grids will help prevent voltage fluctuations and reduce fire risks.
2. Regulating Voltage Supply: EDSA must install protective devices, such as automatic voltage regulators, to ensure that homes and businesses receive stable electricity.
3. Holding EDSA Accountable: Regulatory bodies should enforce strict penalties against EDSA for failure to provide safe and stable electricity. There should also be compensation for consumers who suffer losses due to power surges.
4. Transparent Tariff Policies: If electricity tariffs must increase, there should be clear justification. The public deserves to know how their payments are being utilized and whether they are getting value for their money.
5. Encouraging Alternative Energy Sources: The government should invest more in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. These alternatives are not only more stable but also environmentally friendly.
Electricity should not be a threat to life and property, yet many households are suffering due to poor power supply. It is unacceptable that, despite paying higher tariffs, citizens are still subjected to such dangers. If immediate action is not taken, more lives will be lost, more homes will be destroyed, and trust in the electricity sector will continue to erode.
It is time for the government and EDSA to prioritize public safety and provide the stable, reliable electricity that citizens deserve.
