Residents and businesses in Cape Coast and surrounding communities have been advised to prepare for a temporary power interruption, as critical upgrade works near completion at the Cape Coast Substation.
The planned outage forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to strengthen power infrastructure and improve the reliability of electricity supply in the Central Region.
In a joint public notice issued on January 16, 2026, GRIDCo and ECG explained that the interruption is necessary to enable the final commissioning of a newly upgraded power transformer at the substation.
“To facilitate the successful commissioning and operation of the new higher-capacity transformer, power supply to customers in Cape Coast and surrounding communities will be interrupted on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, from 9:00am to 2:00pm.”
Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
According to the statement, GRIDCo is in the final phase of completing works associated with the upgrade of a 66MVA power transformer at the Cape Coast Substation.
The project is designed to replace existing capacity constraints with a higher-capacity transformer that can better meet the growing electricity demand in Cape Coast and its surrounding communities.
The five-hour interruption is expected to affect residential, commercial and institutional customers within the affected areas.
Expected Benefits for Residents and Businesses
GRIDCo and ECG assured customers that the short-term inconvenience will result in long-term benefits for electricity users in the region.
“The transformer upgrade will significantly enhance the substation’s capacity, enabling improved and reliable power supply for residents and businesses in Cape Coast and surrounding areas, while enhancing the overall quality and stability of electricity supply in the region.”
Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
Energy sector experts note that transformer upgrades are critical to reducing unplanned outages, voltage fluctuations and system overloads, especially in fast-growing urban centres such as Cape Coast.
The two power utilities said they have taken steps to ensure that the interruption is carefully managed and completed within the announced timeframe.
“GRIDCo and ECG have put in place all necessary measures to ensure that the final works are completed promptly and power supply restored within the scheduled time.”
Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
The companies emphasised that the outage window has been deliberately kept short to minimise disruption to economic activities, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services in the affected communities.
Assurance to the Public
Acknowledging the inconvenience the outage may cause, GRIDCo and ECG offered an apology to customers and appealed for public cooperation during the maintenance period.
The companies reassured customers of their long-term objective to strengthen Ghana’s power transmission and distribution systems through targeted investments in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
The Cape Coast transformer upgrade forms part of broader ongoing efforts to modernise Ghana’s electricity transmission and distribution network.
In recent years, GRIDCo and ECG have embarked on multiple projects aimed at expanding capacity, improving system stability and reducing technical losses across the grid.
Industry analysts say such upgrades are increasingly necessary as electricity demand continues to rise due to population growth, urbanisation and expanding commercial activity.
Customers in Cape Coast and surrounding areas are advised to plan ahead by switching off sensitive electrical equipment before the outage period and making alternative arrangements where necessary.
“We assure the public of our continued commitment to deliver reliable and improved electricity transmission services.”
Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
Power is expected to be fully restored immediately after the completion of the commissioning works, barring unforeseen technical challenges.
GRIDCo and ECG reiterated that the outage is a planned and controlled exercise, stressing that the long-term gains in power quality and reliability far outweigh the short-term disruption.
READ ALSO: Vice President Pledges New High-Occupancy Fleet to End Transport Agony
