ECG launches nationwide meter audit to curb electricity theft

Electricity Company of Ghana launches nationwide audit of meters

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced the commencement of an extensive nationwide meter audit exercise designed to tackle the persistent challenge of electricity theft and significantly reduce the company’s commercial losses. This initiative will encompass all categories of customers, including those using prepaid meters, postpaid meters, and Special Load Tariff (SLT) installations. By systematically reviewing these installations, the ECG aims to ensure that every unit of power consumed across the country is accurately measured and appropriately billed. According to the power distributor, the exercise will be carried out by authorized personnel who will conduct unannounced inspections of meter installations at various residential and commercial premises. The ECG has clarified that no further notifications will be issued to individual customers or property managers before these visits occur. This strategy of unannounced inspections is intended to provide a true reflection of the status of meters in the field and to effectively detect unauthorized bypasses or tampering that might otherwise be hidden if advance notice were provided. In light of the unannounced nature of the inspections, the ECG has emphasized the importance of consumer vigilance and security. Customers and property managers are strongly advised to verify the identity of any field personnel seeking access to their premises. To facilitate this verification, the company has provided designated hotlines and USSD codes that consumers can use to authenticate the credentials of staff members. This measure is intended to protect the public from potential imposters while allowing legitimate ECG officers to perform their duties without hindrance. The nationwide audit is a critical component of a broader strategy by the ECG to improve its revenue collection and overall operational efficiency. By identifying and rectifying faulty meters and illegal connections, the company seeks to ensure a fairer distribution of costs among all electricity users. Accurate billing and the recovery of lost revenue are viewed as essential steps toward stabilizing the national power grid and securing the financial resources necessary for future infrastructure improvements to enhance service delivery for all Ghanaians.