Crows are causing power disruptions in Ashanti region, ECG rolls out preventive measures

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) reports that crows are disrupting power supply in the Ashanti Region. The birds are damaging critical transmission infrastructure.

The Ashanti Sub-Transmission Region of ECG states that these attacks cause frequent outages. This affects consumers across several districts.

Collins Manu, Head of Public Relations for the Ashanti Sub-Transmission, said they will improve efforts to ensure uninterrupted service.

A recent report shows the most affected areas include Barekese, Akyawkrom, Effiduase, and Kumawu. Other impacted locations are Bekwai, New Edubiase, and Manso Nkwanta.

The report found at least 92 nests on the Akyawkrom-Kuntenase-Bekwai transmission lines. These nests often use metallic materials and can cause electrical faults.

Bird droppings create conductive paths under humid conditions. This leads to insulation breakdown and increases maintenance costs.

In response, senior ECG officials have been inspecting the worst-hit areas. They aim to assess and resolve power supply challenges.

To address this issue, ECG is implementing several preventive measures:

1. Physical barriers like bird spikes and insulated covers.
2. Nesting deterrents such as routine nest removal.
3. Improved system design with increased conductor spacing.
4. Behavioural deterrents like distress calls and predator decoys.

These interventions aim to stabilize power supply and protect infrastructure from further damage caused by crows.