Energy Crisis: Time For Demand Side Management

Folks,
A Power Crisis is imminent in the land of our birth (and hopefully death). This writer believes that, previous Governments have not given this looming catastrophe the attention it deserves, probably due to a lack of understanding of what is at stake, so I am going to break it down in very simple terms using very simple English (as is typical of me.) I will also endeavour to make it as non-technical as possible. We would then take a look at why DSM (Demand Side Management) offers the most cost-effective way out.

1. TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY

The motherland presently has a total installed power generating capacity of 1,432 MW. This is simply the maximum amount of power the nation can generate, assuming that all was well. By this I mean, the maximum amount of power we could generate assuming all the lakes were full to the brim, we had an infinite reserve of gas, and all associated machines were functioning all the time.

The breakdown is as follows: Akosombo - 912 MW, Kpong - 160 MW, Tema Diesel Plant - 30 MW, Aboadze Thermal Plant - 330 MW.

2. IMPLICATIONs

In line with my philosophy of keeping it very simple, let me give a very simple illustration. Let us assume that all the power being produced is being used solely for lighting purposes and that none is being used by VALCO and the other industries. Let us also assume that there are no Air Conditioners, Deep Freezers, Irons and other home appliances in use. The only appliance is use are 100W light bulbs.

Here is the implication: This scenario means that, in a nation of nearly 20 million people, the total number of light bulbs you can have on at any given time is ONLY 14 million!! Yes, the nation has enough power to support only 14 million light bulbs in a nation of 20 million!! And this is assuming that ALL the power being produced was being used SOLELY for lighting!! I have not even accounted for transmission line losses.

3. DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT - A WAY OUT

Of course, if we had money, a way out would be to start building more power stations and live in darkness for the next 5 years for the construction of the power stations. Well, we don't have the money (NOW) and we don't have the luxury of time, so in the mean time, what do we do? Simple. Let us enact laws and regulations which would effectively minimize consumption on the Demand Side without sacrificing any of the comforts. This simply means using more energy-efficient gadgets in our homes. (Fridges and freezers which have appropriate power factor corrections, same for all motor-dependent gadgets, energy-efficient light fixtures.etc).

Once again, let me give a very simple illustration using the light bulb as an example. Assuming there were a law or regulation in place banning the use of 100W bulbs and encouraging the use of the energy efficient 20W bulbs which produce the same amount of lumens (or light) as the 100W bulbs. As is obvious, this would cut down the nations power consumption by 80% (Yes), assuming all the power was being consumed for lighting purposes as already discussed. Yes a whopping 80% !!!

What about cost (of the energy efficient bulbs)? Good question. Well, these bulbs last for YEARs due to the fact that the ballasts have a rapid-start design - oops, let's keep it simple....these bulbs simply last for YEARs. One may ask- so what? Okay, remember that by using these lighting fixtures, the consumer is cutting down his/her electricy bills by a whopping 80%. Due to the energy savings, these bulbs actually end up paying for themselves in less than a year. So effectively, it is like you never bought a bulb in the first place, and you actually have light for YEARs. You don't have to buy a new bulb every month too. Infact, whichever way you look at it, it makes economic sense for not just the power producers, but the consumers too!! blah blah blah blah. Enough of the plenty talk, I hope the powers that be are getting the message.

4. THE CONCLUSION OF THIS MATTER CLOSE TO MY HEART.....

The Government recently stated that Technology would be the bedrock for national development.

I , Patriot Turncoat, wish to remind them that without adequate power, this would only be a bedrock of dreams....(perhaps the rocking of the bed is too gentle :-0 ). Without reliable power, nothing would attract the international community (including Ghanaians) to build large manufacturing plants. All sectors of the economy including the energy sector must undergo POSITIVE CHANGE.

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