ECG deploys teams nationwide to tackle power theft

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has deployed power visibility teams across the country to inspect electricity meters and clamp down on power theft and illegal connections.

The nationwide exercise targets both residential and commercial customers and follows the expiration of a one-month amnesty that allowed customers with illegal connections to voluntarily regularise their electricity supply.

As part of the operation, a commercial facility at East Legon in Accra was disconnected and issued with an appearance notice after it was found engaging in power theft and illegal connection.

Launching the exercise in Accra, ECG Managing Director Samuel Dubik Mahama said the initiative was aimed at recovering revenue lost through electricity theft and ensuring customers paid for the power they consumed.

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He explained that the audit would involve checking electricity meters for signs of tampering and assessing whether they were accurately recording power consumption.

According to him, the exercise would help ECG determine the amount of electricity supplied to customers and identify commercial losses resulting from illegal activities.

Mr Mahama noted that power theft continues to cost the company more than US$100 million in lost revenue annually, describing the practice as a major challenge to ECG’s operations.

He urged customers to cooperate with the inspection teams, warning that anyone who obstructed the exercise would have their electricity supply disconnected.

Customers found to have tampered with their meters will be given 48 hours to report to the appropriate ECG office for reconciliation and the application of necessary sanctions. Failure to comply could result in arrest and prosecution.

Mr Mahama also advised members of the inspection teams to conduct themselves professionally, properly identify themselves to customers and report any incidents of non-cooperation to their supervisors.

General Manager of ECG’s Accra East Region, Bismark Otoo, said the operation forms part of efforts to reduce the company’s commercial losses and improve revenue collection.