ECG introduces cashless system in Volta and Oti Regions

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has successfully implemented its cashless system of transactions in the Volta and Oti regions, according to Mr Michael Buabin, the acting General Manager of ECG in the Volta Region.

Mr Buabin stated that all ECG offices in the two regions no longer accept cash for transactions such as bill payments or prepaid credit purchases.

He explained that customers with smartphones can access the cashless system by downloading the ECG PowerApp from the Google Play Store or App Store and following the provided instructions to pay their postpaid bills or purchase prepaid credit for smart meters.

The cashless system, announced on May 11, is being implemented across all 11 districts in the Volta and Oti regions, including Denu, Keta, Sogakope, Akatsi, Ho, Kpeve, Hohoe, Kpando, Jasikan, Nkwanta, and Dambai.

Speaking to the media, Mr Buabin highlighted that the enhanced ECG PowerApp now enables customers to conduct cashless transactions with ECG anytime and anywhere.

For customers without smartphones, Mr Buabin informed them that they can dial *226# to access the cashless system for all transactions.

He emphasized that the implementation of the cashless system is part of ECG's efforts to digitize its operations for increased efficiency and customer convenience.

Mr Buabin acknowledged that customers used to face inconveniences, including travelling long distances to transact business with ECG, which incurred transportation costs and risks.

However, with the introduction of the cashless system, such inconveniences have been reduced as customers can now transact with ECG from the comfort of their homes in real time.

Regarding the usage of PowerApp, Mr Buabin explained that customers with postpaid meters need to add their account numbers after logging into the app, while customers with prepaid meters need to provide their meter numbers.

He advised customers to carefully verify their details when adding meter or account numbers to ensure accuracy before clicking the “THIS IS CORRECT” button on the app.

To pay bills or purchase prepaid credit with a check, Mr Buabin informed that customers can generate a cheque pay-in slip number through the app and make payments at any bank.

He further announced that customers who still prefer to visit ECG offices for bill payments or prepaid purchases should load the money onto their mobile money wallets before visiting the offices.

Mr Buabin assured customers that third-party prepaid vendors will continue to sell prepaid credit to customers who prefer to visit them.

He revealed that the region is undertaking an intensive campaign to educate and sensitize customers on how to use the cashless system and its benefits.

Mr Buabin stated, “We have adopted strategies to ensure our customers understand what is happening, know how to use the app and the shortcode, and also the benefits of this system.”

He urged customers to promptly pay their bills and reminded them that ECG is still engaged in revenue mobilization efforts following the conclusion of the national exercise on April 20, 2023.

Customers expressed their satisfaction with the progress made by ECG in enhancing PowerApp. Ms Cynthia Amu, a nurse at the Ho Teaching Hospital and a resident of Ho Power House, praised the stability of the app after initial concerns about delayed credit reflections.

Mr James Adjei, a fridge repairer in Breweniase, Nkwanta District, shared his experience of having to close his shop and travel to Nkwanta to pay bills before the cashless system was introduced, stating that he has since been able to pay bills without travelling after learning about the *226# shortcode during a community engagement with ECG.