New meters boost revenue; let's not politicize replacement exercise - ECG

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has dismissed allegations that the ongoing installation of new prepaid meters is an attempt to overbill customers for power consumed. 

According to the company, the new meters are designed to accurately reflect energy consumption, and concerns about overbilling are unfounded.

Speaking at the launch of the Meter Replacement Exercise in Accra East, ECG's Managing Director, Samuel Dubik Mahama, explained the significance of this initiative as part of the company’s Loss Reduction Programme (LRP). 

He noted that the exercise has already led to a 30 percent increase in revenue while reducing ECG's operational losses.

"The old meters were very mechanical, leading to some revenue loss," Mr. Mahama explained, addressing complaints from customers who reported increased energy consumption with the new meters. He assured the public that the replacement is not a scheme to deceive anyone, adding that prepaid meters have a lifespan of about 10 years and need periodic replacement.

Mr. Mahama also stressed the importance of accurate revenue generation for sustaining the energy sector and urged the public not to politicize the exercise. "Revenue generation by ECG is critical to keeping this sector alive," he said.

He also warned customers to refrain from tampering with the new meters.

Mr. Mahama said: "Please, these meters are smart meters, they are MMS compliant. They are very visible on a dashboard in our offices. Please, don't tamper with these meters because we will know. There's been a huge revenue leakage and across the country, we have to change close to 1.5million metres as quickly as possible".

ECG expects to end the meter replacement exercise by October.

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