Excerpt
The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s energy sector, ensuring the efficient transmission of electricity across the nation and fostering a competitive power market.
Purpose of Establishment
Incorporated on December 15, 2006, under the Companies Code, 1963 (Act 179), and commencing operations on August 1, 2008, GRIDCo was established as part of Ghana’s Power Sector Reforms. These reforms aimed to enhance power supply reliability, attract private investments in generation, increase competition, and improve efficiency in electricity delivery. A key objective was to provide transparent, non-discriminatory, and open access to the National Interconnected Transmission System (NITS) for all power market participants, including generators and bulk consumers.
Operations and Roles
GRIDCo is responsible for the economic dispatch and transmission of electricity from wholesale suppliers to bulk customers, such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the Northern Electricity Department (NED), and mining companies. Its core functions include:
- Providing fair and non-discriminatory transmission services to all power market participants.
- Acquiring, owning, and managing assets, facilities, and systems required to transmit electrical energy.
- Offering metering and billing services to bulk customers.
- Conducting transmission system planning and implementing necessary investments to ensure reliable electric energy transmission.
- Managing the Wholesale Power Market.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
GRIDCo’s leadership comprises a Board of Directors and a Management Team. The Board provides strategic direction, while the Management Team oversees daily operations. Key positions within the Management Team include:
- Director, Southern Network
- Director, Land Management
- Acting Director, Engineering
Each directorate focuses on specific operational areas to ensure efficient service delivery.
Offices and Units
GRIDCo operates through various offices and units strategically located to manage the NITS effectively. These include regional offices overseeing different segments of the transmission network, specialized units for system operations, market operations, and grid consulting services. This structure enables GRIDCo to attend to internal and external customer needs with focus, speed, and skill, while effectively engaging stakeholders.
Oversight and Appointments
GRIDCo was established in accordance with the Energy Commission Act, 1997 (Act 541), and the Volta River Development (Amendment) Act, 2005 (Act 692). These legislations mandate the establishment and exclusive operation of the NITS by an independent utility, separating the transmission functions of the Volta River Authority (VRA) from its other activities. The company’s operations are overseen by the Ministry of Energy, with appointments to key leadership positions made in consultation with relevant governmental bodies to ensure alignment with national energy policies.
Reforms and Developments
Since its inception, GRIDCo has been at the forefront of power sector reforms in Ghana. The company’s establishment was a significant step towards unbundling the power sector to promote efficiency and private sector participation. Over the years, GRIDCo has undertaken various initiatives to modernize the transmission infrastructure, improve system reliability, and facilitate the development of a competitive wholesale electricity market. These efforts are in line with the broader objectives of Ghana’s energy sector reforms, which aim to ensure a resilient and financially sustainable power system.
Reference
- https://purc.com.gh/attachment/484568-20220502060503.pdf
- https://www.datanyze.com/companies/ghana-grid/347892404
- https://gridcogh.com/
- https://www.theworldfolio.com/company/gridco-ghana/70/
- https://gridcogh.com/gridcogh-backbone-to-power-delivery/overview/