The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has taken measures to address a growing challenge in the Ashanti Sub-Transmission region: the impact of crows on critical transmission infrastructure.
The issue has resulted in frequent outages, causing operational hurdles and inconvenience for consumers across the region. ECG’s Ashanti Sub-Transmission team is working to mitigate the effects of crow-related disruptions and ensure a reliable power supply.
Crows, known for their intelligence and adaptability, pose an unexpected hazard to power distribution networks. Their tendency to perch on transmission lines and structures can lead to disruptions through various means, including:
– Short circuits and line trips, affecting power supply.
– Equipment damage, as nests containing metallic materials trigger electrical faults.
– Insulation breakdown, caused by droppings forming conductive paths under humid conditions.
– Increased maintenance costs and operational risks, straining resources.
The most affected feeders in the Ashanti Region include Barekese, Akyawkrom, Effiduase, Kumawu, Bekwai, New Edubiase, Dunkwa, and Manso Nkwanta. These disruptions have serious implications for the reliability of the power supply and the overall efficiency of the transmission network.
To combat the problems posed by crows, ECG’s Ashanti Sub-Transmission team is implementing a range of preventive measures. These include:
– Physical Barriers: Bird spikes, insulated covers, and perch deterrents to minimize roosting.
– Optimized Line Design: Adequate conductor spacing and enhanced insulation to reduce accidental contact.
– Nesting Deterrents: Routine nest removal and application of non-conductive materials on structures.
– Acoustic & Visual Disruptors: Deployment of distress calls, reflective surfaces, and predator decoys to discourage perching.
– Strategic Monitoring: Regular line patrols for early detection and rapid response to faults caused by bird interference.
These steps or measures are designed to minimize the impact of crows on the transmission infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply to consumers in the Ashanti Region.
To provide impetus for improving supply reliability in the region, the General Manager of Special Projects at Head Office, Ing Frederick Kwabena Bediako, in collaboration with Ing Daniel Mensah Asare, GM Ashanti South, and Technical Managers of Ashanti Sub-T, have patrolled the Kuntenase- Bekwai and other problematic feeders to identify challenges affecting the stability of supply in the area.
From Akyawkrom through Kuntenase to Bekwai alone, about 92 nests were identified when the team patrolled the lines.
The Head of Public Relations, Ashanti Sub- Transmission, Collins Manu, said, as part of ECG’s commitment to providing uninterrupted power, proactive wildlife-related solutions remain a priority.
By addressing these disruptions, the company aims to safeguard service reliability and improve customer satisfaction across the Ashanti Region. ECG’s efforts to mitigate the effects of crow-related disruptions demonstrate its dedication to delivering high-quality services and ensuring the well-being of its customers.
The implementation of proactive measures to address crow-related disruptions is a significant step towards ensuring the reliability of the power supply in the Ashanti Region. By understanding the issue and taking targeted action, ECG can minimize the impact of crows on its transmission infrastructure and provide a more reliable service to its customers.
As the company continues to work towards improving its services, it is essential that it prioritizes innovative solutions to emerging challenges, such as the impact of wildlife on transmission infrastructure.
“As a division responsible for returning the system to its originality, we will continue to improve our efforts to ensure uninterrupted service across the region”, he said.
