The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has started a large-scale replacement of non-smart, faulty, and old electricity meters. This program aims to boost operational performance and significantly improve customer satisfaction. The new meters will allow customers to buy electricity credit online using their mobile phones from any location.
Ms. Elizabeth Appiah, Marketing Officer at the Accra West Regional Office of the ECG, announced this initiative. She spoke at a public education forum for residents in the Korle Electoral Area, Ablekuma South Municipality, Greater Accra Region. This forum was part of a series organized by the ECG and Assemblyman Richard Nii Aryeetey Tagoe to address local electricity concerns.
This meter replacement program is crucial for Ghana's energy sector modernization. It addresses long-standing issues of meter accuracy and customer convenience. The move supports the government's broader agenda to digitize public services and improve infrastructure reliability across the country.
Ms. Appiah urged residents to allow ECG technicians access to their properties for the replacement exercise. Technicians will carry identification for verification. She explained that substandard cables and accessories would also be replaced with new, compliant ones. This action follows the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) Customer Service LI 2413 regulations, which permit ECG officials to enter customer homes for such tasks.
The new Smart Pre-payment meters offer several benefits to customers. Users can monitor their electricity consumption more effectively and top up credit from their homes or offices using mobile phones. These meters also eliminate disconnections for non-payment of monthly bills and remove levies for ECG transactions. Mobile applications linked to the meters provide a platform for reporting and resolving issues quickly.
Ms. Jessica Tetteh, Client Management Executive at the Korle-Bu ECG office, warned customers against fraudulent practices. She advised against engaging middlemen in transactions to avoid being scammed by unauthorized individuals. She clarified that the ECG requires proper wiring of premises before meter acquisition. The Energy Commission then tests and certifies the wiring to ensure it meets standard requirements.
Ms. Tetteh recommended that individuals needing meters should contact the company's customer care department directly. This direct approach helps prevent fraud and ensures proper procedures are followed. Residents at the forum raised concerns about faulty pads for loading mobile credit and the high cost of new meters. Single-phase meters reportedly cost over GHS 1,200, while double-phase meters exceeded GHS 2,000.
The high cost of meters remains a barrier for some households, potentially slowing the adoption of the new technology. Addressing these cost concerns could accelerate the program's success and broaden its positive impact. The ECG's commitment to improving customer service through technology is a positive step towards a more efficient and reliable power supply in Ghana.
This initiative is expected to reduce revenue losses for ECG due to faulty meters and illegal connections. It will also empower customers with better control over their electricity usage and spending. The successful implementation of this program could serve as a model for other utility providers in the region.