When the Lights Go Out (Again): My Random Thursday Plans Just Got Rewritten
A couple of months ago, I was halfway through making a pot of jollof rice when the power went out. Just like that. Boom—darkness. My blender stopped mid-spin, the fan slowed to a halt, and I just stood there like, “Seriously?”
It wasn’t even one of those stormy nights or anything dramatic. Just a random Tuesday. So, imagine my reaction when I saw the latest notice from ECG about a planned maintenance this Thursday, July 24, 2025. Yep, they're at it again—lights out, water off, fridge crying.
I mean, I get it. Maintenance has to happen. Transformers don’t fix themselves, and power lines aren’t eternal. But here’s the thing—why does it always feel like these maintenance schedules sneak up on us? You wake up, scroll through your phone, and bam: “Your area will experience power outages from 9am to 4pm.” Like… what if someone had plans? A Zoom interview? A frozen chicken to roast?
Here are a few of the affected areas for this Thursday (brace yourself if your neighborhood’s on the list):
Dansoman (of course)
Madina (because why not?)
Parts of Spintex, East Legon, Lapaz, and Kasoa
Oh, and some parts of Tema too
Honestly, if you live anywhere remotely busy or heavily populated, just prepare. Charge your phone, power bank, maybe your soul too.
What I find a bit funny (not haha funny, more like sigh funny) is how ECG always says “planned maintenance,” but the feeling is never planned. It’s that same mini panic that hits when you realize your data’s finished in the middle of a binge-watch session. You’re just not ready.
I’ve also noticed something—whenever ECG makes these announcements, social media becomes a therapy session. People vent, joke, drop memes (some are actually gold), and bond over the shared pain of flickering lights and interrupted routines. It's kinda comforting, to be honest. Misery loves company, and we sure have plenty of it.
In my opinion, ECG could do a bit more when it comes to letting folks know early. Like, a week ahead with reminders? A text alert maybe? Something that respects the fact that we’ve got lives, deadlines, and toddlers who won’t understand why “Cocomelon” isn’t working.
I know ECG’s trying. It’s not easy keeping a national grid running in this heat and chaos. But wouldn’t it be great if they considered what a power cut really means to the average person? For some, it’s just a nap. For others, it’s a missed opportunity, a spoiled fridge full of food, or a day derailed.
Anyway, I’ve stocked up on water, charged everything in sight, and moved my Zoom meeting to Friday. But deep down, I’m still hoping they change their mind. Or maybe a miracle happens and the lights stay on.
Who knows?
Have we become too used to adjusting our lives around blackouts… or is this just part of life now?