Ghana: ECG Cautions Public Against Unauthorized Meter Transfers
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has cautioned the public against the unauthorized transfer of electricity meters, describing the act as illegal and punishable by law.
According to ECG, all meters issued by the company are registered to specific locations and must not be moved without formal approval.
Unauthorized transfers, the utility provider says, can disrupt billing systems, cause service challenges, and result in legal action.
Speaking to the media Dr. Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager for External Communications at ECG, explained that meter transfers are strictly regulated and permitted only under specific conditions.
“A meter issued by ECG is registered to a particular location. It cannot be transferred, especially from immovable structures such as residential buildings,” he said.
However, ECG clarified that meter transfers are allowed only for movable structures, such as containers and kiosks, and even then, only within the same ECG district.
“These transfers must be carried out by ECG-authorized personnel upon official request. Transfers involving permanent or immovable structures are strictly prohibited,” Dr. Ayiku emphasized.
He warned that customers who move meters without authorization risk facing criminal prosecution.
“Transferring a meter without ECG’s consent is a violation of both company policy and national laws. We urge customers to follow due process,” he added.
The company urged the public to report any suspicious meter activity or irregularities through its district offices or verified communication channels.
Dr. Ayiku concluded by encouraging its cherished customers to support ECG’s efforts in ensuring reliable and safe power supply.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ukraine Signs First Transbalkan Gas Deal With Azerbaijan’s SOCAR
Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas major Naftogaz has signed its first deal with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR to import a small volume of Azeri-origin natural gas via the Transbalkan route, according to a Reuters report.
“For the first time, a test shipment of gas is being delivered through the Transbalkan route along the Bulgaria–Romania–Ukraine corridor,” Naftogaz said in a statement on its website.
The Ukrainian company said the agreement was for a small volume of gas, but did not specify a timeline.
“This is a small volume but strategically important step that paves the way for long-term cooperation,” Naftogaz CEO Serhiy Koretskyi was quoted as saying in the statement.
Ukraine had said in May that its energy regulator had approved a gas import mechanism that would avoid the high transit fees for gas supplied through the Transbalkan pipeline from Greece to Ukraine.
Ukraine has faced a serious gas shortage since a series of devastating Russian missile strikes this year, which significantly reduced domestic gas production.
Ukraine imports gas via Slovakia and Hungary but has not used the southern route because of its higher transit tariffs, as gas from LNG terminals in Greece also passes through Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova.
Ukrainian analysis firm ExPro earlier this month said that Ukraine had more than 9 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas in its underground storage facilities as of July 17, while it plans to accumulate around 13 bcm for the 2025/26 winter heating season.
It noted that the reserves were 13.9% down compared with the same period last year and were at their lowest in the last 12 years.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: President Tinubu Seeks More Time To Verify ₦4 Trillion Debt To Gencos
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pleaded with power generation companies in Africa’s most populous nation to give his administration ample time to complete the verification and validation of longstanding debts owed to them.
According to the President, his administration is committed to resolving the liquidity challenges confronting Nigeria’s power sector to guarantee reliable electricity supply.
President Tinubu made the plea during a meeting with members of the Association of Power Generation Companies at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last weekend.
“I accept the assets and liabilities of my predecessors, and there is no question about that. But that acceptance must be on credible grounds. I need to wear the audit cap of verifiability, authenticity, and the fact that this inheritance is not a mere deodorant but a support structure for critical economic and industrial promotion.”
The President stressed the need for patience from GENCOs and financial institutions, noting that government agencies are actively engaging audit and legal firms to scrutinize the claims.
“We are here. So, market it to your other colleagues. Give us time to do verification and validation of the numbers,” he said.
President Tinubu said the industry’s long-neglected legacy issues are now receiving the attention they deserve. “This is a longstanding issue that is now being dealt with. I know how much we have been able to save on fuel subsidies. We introduced the alternative, CNG, to bring relief back to the people.”
The President emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a stable investment environment and avoiding extreme measures, such as bank asset foreclosures, against the generation companies.
“To our friends in the banking sector, I ask that we avoid foreclosures. Sharpen your pencils, but keep an eraser handy. Let’s persevere together.”
Describing electricity as “the most important discovery of humanity in the last 1,000 years,” the President reaffirmed that access to electricity is fundamental to economic growth and human dignity.
The Special Adviser to the President, Ms. Verheijen, attributed the liquidity crisis to “a combination of unfunded tariff shortfalls and market shortfalls” that has built up over a decade. She stated that as of April 2025, the Federal Government is carrying a verified exposure of ₦4 trillion in debts to GENCOs, an accumulation dating back to 2015.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, commended President Tinubu for the attention given to the power sector, stating that the administration’s reforms have restored investor confidence and improved performance across the electricity value chain.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
South Africa: AfDB, South Africa Sign US$474.6M Loan For Just Energy Transition
South Africa and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have signed a US$474.6 million loan agreement aimed at supporting the implementation of the Just Energy Transition (JET). According to a report by the South African News Agency, the loan agreement follows the first policy loan concluded in 2023 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition.
“This new agreement highlights the importance of South Africa’s partnership with the AfDB in advancing South Africa’s development agenda,” the National Treasury said.
“It strengthens efforts to improve energy security measures, accelerate the decarbonization of the economy, and enhance the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition, enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation.”
This loan is part of the third Development Policy Operation, which includes participation from the World Bank, KfW Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund for International Development (OPEC Fund), to support structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.
The loan offers favorable concessional financial terms at a nominal value of US$474.6 million, with a maturity of 15 years and a 3-year grace period at an interest rate of a daily Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.22%.
“The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the AfDB for its continued partnership and support of South Africa’s development objectives,” the statement added.
“This includes efforts to implement critical reforms in the energy and transport sectors, while also advancing the country’s Just Energy Transition goals and meeting foreign currency commitments at lower interest rates.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: Former First Ghanaian Tullow Ghana MD And GRIDCo CEO Passes Away
A former Managing Director of Tullow Ghana Limited, an Africa-focused independent oil and gas firm, Mr. Charles Darku, has passed away after battling an illness for almost two years.
A respected professional engineer, Mr. Charles Darku was the first Ghanaian to be appointed Managing Director of Tullow Ghana Limited (TGL) in 2013.
Mr. Darku retired from his role in April 2018, after almost five years of dedication and instrumental contributions to delivering the company’s primary objectives of oil and gas production.
Prior to joining TGL, Mr. Charles Darku was the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Limited. He resigned from his position to take up the Tullow appointment after serving as CEO since 2009. He served in various capacities at the Volta River Authority for over 27 years.
Mr. Darku was a product of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). His passing has brought pain and sorrow to scores of people who worked with him. Close associates described him as experienced, humble, and an outstanding personality.
The family is yet to announce details of the funeral rites.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Zambia: 32 Suspects Arrested In Joint ZESCO-Police Operation To Combat Vandalism
A joint operation by ZESCO Limited and the Zambia Police Service has arrested 32 suspects within 24 hours for digging and cutting live copper cables.
The suspects were arrested at separate locations.
According to a statement issued by ZESCO, 29 of the suspects were arrested in Ndola on July 22nd, with some as young as 15 years old. They were caught digging and cutting live copper cables along the Ndola-Kapiri Dual Carriageway. An additional three suspects were arrested the previous day, bringing the total to 32.
Meanwhile, in Lusaka, Edward Chingozhi and Fortune Mwanamuchende were sentenced to seven years in prison with hard labor for damaging ZESCO property.
ZESCO revealed that recent vandalism has resulted in significant losses, with copper windings and cables worth over K355,000 stolen, disrupting electricity supply and diverting resources meant for service improvements and national development.
“The combined efforts of ZESCO and the Zambia Police demonstrate the power of teamwork and intelligence-led operations in combating infrastructure crime,” the statement said.
“This operation sends a clear message that vandalizing electricity infrastructure is a serious offense that will not go unpunished.”
ZESCO urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that stopping vandalism is a shared responsibility and protecting electricity supply infrastructure secures our collective future.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Nigeria: Man Electrocuted For Attempting To Vandalize Transmission Tower In Ebonyi
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that a man was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize one of its transmission towers, according to a statement released on Friday.
According to TCN, the deceased attempted to vandalize Transmission Tower 34 along the Nkalagu-Abakaliki 132 Kilo Volt Line in Ebonyi State, on July 19.
Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, said in a statement that the body of the electrocuted vandal has been retrieved from the tower.
Mrs. Mbah emphasized that TCN had consistently warned against such acts, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of tampering with transmission infrastructure, which carries high voltages critical to national development and poses significant risks to health and safety.
She added, “TCN urges the public to protect electricity infrastructure within their vicinity and report any suspicious activity around power installations to security operatives or any of its offices nationwide.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: UEGCL Tours BPA’s Hydropower Station, Floating Solar Plant
A delegation from Ugandan Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) have visited the power generation site of Bui Power Authority (BPA) known as Bui Generation Station, which is located between the Bono and Savannah regions, to familiarise themselves with the operations of the company.
BPA owns, operates, and maintains the 404MW Bui hydropower plant, a 250MWp solar – hydro hybrid PV plant, a 5MWp floating plant and the 45kW Tsatsadu micro-hydropower plant.
UEGCL operates and maintains government-owned hydropower plants with a total capacity of 1480MW.
The power generation company is looking to diversify its energy sources to include solar energy into its energy mix and complete feasibility studies on the possibility of floating solar project on the reservoir of its hydropower dams, hence visiting Bui Generation Station was a perfect choice.
The delegation, which included Board Chairperson Proscovia Margaret Njuki, were conducted around the Bui Generation Station by Ing. Kweku Akosah, Director for Engineering Services Department at BPA.
The delegation were briefed first after which they visited the control room, cooling water system area, floating solar plant, and the site of the 250MWp solar plants.
Commenting on the visit, George Tusingwire Mutekweka, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at UEGCL said, “I believe we have a lot of hydro power potential here, but solar power is trying to find its footing. I think we’ve found a good partner in both land-based and floating solar systems, which I believe everyone here will agree is remarkable. The idea of starting to fabricate floaters gives us hope that we can partner and collaborate on solar power to maximise our capacity and build Uganda’s generation capacity.”
Continuing, he said, “Our government’s target is to reach 52,000 megawatts by 2040. It’s a big target, but our President says, ‘Don’t compare yourself with others; compare yourself with China and the Asian tigers. Think big.’ He knows it’s ambitious, but he believes that with hard work, we can transform Africa.
“Our population is around 45 million, and by 2050, it will be around 80 million. Most of our population is young and vibrant. To keep them engaged and avoid them risking their lives crossing the seas, we need to provide affordable power, infrastructure, and opportunities.
“Local capacity is crucial in bringing down costs and attracting investors. We want to work with you to ensure that Ugandans have enough power not just for now but for the future as well. We appreciate your presence and look forward to collaborating with you.”
On his part, Ing. Akosah said: “We’re delighted that you can join us in hospitality. Just like the tide brings seashells to the shore, we hope that your visit will bring valuable insights and ideas. We’ll treat your contributions like those seashells – we’ll collect them, store them, and showcase them when you return.
“We’re grateful for your visit and look forward to making this partnership a reality. We’ll work together to ensure that our vision is consummated well. Thank you very much.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
The power generation company is looking to diversify its energy sources to include solar energy into its energy mix and complete feasibility studies on the possibility of floating solar project on the reservoir of its hydropower dams, hence visiting Bui Generation Station was a perfect choice.
The delegation, which included Board Chairperson Proscovia Margaret Njuki, were conducted around the Bui Generation Station by Ing. Kweku Akosah, Director for Engineering Services Department at BPA.
The delegation were briefed first after which they visited the control room, cooling water system area, floating solar plant, and the site of the 250MWp solar plants.
Commenting on the visit, George Tusingwire Mutekweka, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at UEGCL said, “I believe we have a lot of hydro power potential here, but solar power is trying to find its footing. I think we’ve found a good partner in both land-based and floating solar systems, which I believe everyone here will agree is remarkable. The idea of starting to fabricate floaters gives us hope that we can partner and collaborate on solar power to maximise our capacity and build Uganda’s generation capacity.”
Continuing, he said, “Our government’s target is to reach 52,000 megawatts by 2040. It’s a big target, but our President says, ‘Don’t compare yourself with others; compare yourself with China and the Asian tigers. Think big.’ He knows it’s ambitious, but he believes that with hard work, we can transform Africa.
“Our population is around 45 million, and by 2050, it will be around 80 million. Most of our population is young and vibrant. To keep them engaged and avoid them risking their lives crossing the seas, we need to provide affordable power, infrastructure, and opportunities.
“Local capacity is crucial in bringing down costs and attracting investors. We want to work with you to ensure that Ugandans have enough power not just for now but for the future as well. We appreciate your presence and look forward to collaborating with you.”
On his part, Ing. Akosah said: “We’re delighted that you can join us in hospitality. Just like the tide brings seashells to the shore, we hope that your visit will bring valuable insights and ideas. We’ll treat your contributions like those seashells – we’ll collect them, store them, and showcase them when you return.
“We’re grateful for your visit and look forward to making this partnership a reality. We’ll work together to ensure that our vision is consummated well. Thank you very much.”
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com Nigeria: NNPC Ltd Profit Drops In June
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) recorded a profit after tax of N905 billion in June 2025, lower than the N1.054 trillion reported in May this year.
The company’s revenue for June stood at N4.571 trillion, which is lower than the N6.008 trillion in May.
“Crude oil and condensate production increased slightly, rising from 1.629 million bpd in May to 1.68 million bpd in June. Natural gas production also rose to 7.581 billion standard cubic feet per day (scf/d) in June, up from 7.352 billion scf/d in May, indicating a steady recovery in output,” NNPC Ltd.’s monthly report indicated.
Despite the drop in monthly profit, NNPC Ltd. was able to remit N6.961 trillion to the federation account from January to May 2025, up from N5.583 trillion recorded between January and April of the same year.
According to the report, fuel availability improved as well, with petrol availability at NNPC retail stations increasing to 71% in June from 62% in May.
It further revealed that the completion of critical gas infrastructure projects showed progress: the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline moved to 83% completion from 81%, while the OB3 pipeline remained at 96% completion.
“Upstream pipeline availability slightly dipped from 98% in May to 97% in June,” it added.
The report also highlighted ongoing strategic and technical efforts, including the successful crossing of the AKK River Niger segment, which has significantly de-risked pipeline completion.
It disclosed that a technical review of the OB3 River Niger crossing has begun to apply insights gained from AKK’s progress. The reviews of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries remain ongoing.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Ghana: PURC Provides Four Merchandised Boreholes At Dua JHS School In Upper East Region
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has constructed four merchandised boreholes at Dua Junior High School, Bongo, in the Upper East Region, to serve the students and the community.
The boreholes are fitted with a 10,000-litre overhead tank with three low taps and two overhead taps, serving approximately 4,500 people in various communities and 100 students in the Dua Junior High School.
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, last Thursday inspected the project and was impressed that the Headmistress and staff of the school were managing the boreholes and giving priority to the students.
“These pro-poor water projects align with PURC’s mission and efforts in water service delivery focused on providing access to clean and sustainable water, supporting Ghana’s development.”
The Headmistress of the school, Madam Atota Suzana, indicated that the project was strategically placed at the premises of the school to aid the students’ study and improve hand-washing culture among the students.
“Also, the availability of water within the school avoided the regular excuses from students of going back home to drink water, thereby disrupting smooth learning.”
“I pledge on behalf of the staff and students to keep the facility in good condition for greater sustainability.”
The students held placards with inscriptions: “Water is life; he who provides water saves life; thank you for saving us from crossing the road to drink water; we are forever grateful.”
Dr. Shafic also visited pro-poor sites in the Bongo Dua Community as part of the tour of the Upper East Region.
The team with the Executive Secretary included Director of Regional Operations, Consumers Service, Alhaji Jabaru Abukari; Director of Energy Services and Performance Monitoring, Ing. Frederick Oblitey; Director of Research and Corporate Affairs, Dr. Eric Obutey; Deputy Director, Northern Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Kweku Tuffuor; Head of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz; Mr. Ephraim Atubuoarah; and Ms. Fauzia Tanko, staff from the Head Office.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
Togo: Tender Issued For $10m Electrification Project Covering 172 Rural Localities
Togo’s Ministry of Energy has issued a tender seeking developers to electrify 172 rural communities as part of its national initiative to expand access to energy.
The project is being spearheaded by the Agency for Rural Electrification and Renewable Energies under the Energy Ministry.
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is providing a CFA6 billion (equivalent of $10,725,840)
funding.
Selected firms will be tasked with extending the medium- and low-voltage distribution network over 18 months.
The scope includes MV overhead lines, MV/LV transformer substations, LV networks with public lighting, and household connection kits.
The tender will close on September 5, 2025, with work scheduled to begin in November this year.
Expected to generate 9.3 GWh in its first year, the project aims to improve electricity access for over 35,000 people and generate more than 600 direct and indirect jobs.
This initiative falls under Togo’s broader universal electrification strategy for 2030, which also includes the Lomé Electricity Network Expansion Project (PEREL) and other nationwide infrastructure developments.
Source:https://energynewsafrica.com
Saudi Arabia Was Top Buyer Of Russian Fuel Oil In June, Data Shows
Saudi Arabia was the top destination for Russian seaborne fuel oil and vacuum gasoil (VGO) exports in June as the hot summer season required more energy consumption, according to traders and LSEG data.
Since the European Union’s full embargo on Russian oil products went into effect in February 2023, Middle Eastern and Asian countries became the main destination for Russia’s fuel oil and VGO supplies.
Direct fuel oil and VGO shipments from Russian ports to Saudi Arabia increased in June by 9% month-on-month to 0.8 million metric tons.
Russian dark oil products loadings to India and Turkey declined last month after previous ample supplies by 49% to around 0.34 million tons and by 33% to 0.28 million tons, respectively, shipping data showed.
Nearly 400,000 tons of fuel oil and VGO were supplied in June from the Russian ports to the Ain Sukhna terminal in Egypt – the big fuel hub, which often allocates oil products for storage and further exports.
Singapore, Senegal and China were also among the other top destinations for Russian fuel oil and VGO export supplies last month, according to LSEG data.
Only two vessels carrying 180,000 tons of fuel oil from the Russian ports are heading to Asia via the African Cape of Good Hope.
Traders have been diverting Russian oil products cargoes around Africa since December 2023 to avoid the Red Sea due to a heightened risk of attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group.
All the shipping data above are based on the date of cargo departure.
Source: Reuters.com



The committee is expected to develop a regulatory and operational framework to support the seamless delivery of petroleum services across retail, storage, transportation, and distribution networks. This includes setting clear strategies and timelines for transitioning the sector to 24/7 functionality.
In his remarks on behalf of the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Ing. Roland Azuvugu outlined the initiative’s eight strategic pillars.
These include addressing infrastructure bottlenecks, ensuring capital access, improving human resource development, enhancing safety and security, and embracing digitalization—all aimed at enabling businesses across sectors to operate continuously.
Industry stakeholders, including the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), welcomed the move.
They called for urgent upgrades to critical infrastructure, such as tank farms, loading gantries, and real-time tracking systems, as well as stronger security around key petroleum installations, to support uninterrupted service delivery.
The newly launched committee is expected to begin consultations with players across the value chain to ensure inclusive planning and coordinated implementation. The 24-Hour Economy and accelerated export development policy of the government aims to expand job creation, boost national output, and increase access to essential services through the promotion of continuous business operations.
Source: