ECG invites Ghana Standards Authority to audit meters after prepaid customer complaints
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has formally requested the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to conduct an independent random test of its meters in both laboratory and field settings, following mounting concerns from prepaid customers about the accuracy of the company's billing systems.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the power distribution utility acknowledged the anxieties expressed by some consumers while defending the integrity of its metering infrastructure.
"All electricity meters deployed by ECG undergo rigorous testing and calibration to ensure their accuracy. Our quality assurance processes are aligned with both national and international standards," the statement signed by William Boateng, Director of Communications, read.
The company highlighted that its meter testing laboratory is state-of-the-art and comparable to leading facilities worldwide. It further noted that all ECG meters are independently tested and certified by the Ghana Standards Authority for compliance with approved standards before deployment.
Despite these assurances, the utility conceded that customers may have legitimate concerns requiring investigation.
"While ECG remains confident in the accuracy and reliability of its meters, we acknowledge that customers may have genuine concerns," the statement added.
The move follows a directive from the Honourable Minister for Energy and Green Transition, who has called for thorough investigations into customer complaints. ECG confirmed that these investigations have already commenced.
"In the spirit of transparency and accountability, ECG has once again formally requested the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to independently and randomly select and test our meters in the laboratory and in the field. GSA's report will form part of ECG's report to the Honourable Minister," the statement explained.
The development comes amid growing public discourse about electricity billing accuracy, with some prepaid customers taking to social media and radio platforms to express frustration over what they perceive as unusually high consumption readings. The situation has placed ECG under increased scrutiny from consumer protection advocates and regulatory authorities.
ECG sought to reassure the public of its commitment to addressing the concerns.
"ECG remains committed to responsive, transparent, and accountable service delivery, and we appreciate our valued customers and stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation," the company stated.
ECG has encouraged customers with concerns to channel them through official complaint mechanisms, which the company says will feed into the ongoing investigations.
