Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is embarking on a significant crackdown on power theft, leveraging the advancements brought about by the digitization of its operations. This initiative is not only aimed at enhancing service delivery but also at bolstering revenue generation and reducing commercial losses that have long plagued the company. With the digitization of technical operations, ECG has gained valuable insights into consumption patterns, enabling it to identify discrepancies between power usage and payment across households in Ghana.
In a concerted effort that began in 2023, ECG’s task force is conducting thorough inspections of both pre- and postpaid installations nationwide. These checks are meticulously recorded on a digital dashboard, ensuring transparency and preventing any potential manipulation of the system, even under coercion from customers. The Director of Communication at ECG, William Boateng, highlighted the utility of the digital dashboard in providing a comprehensive view of the power consumption landscape. This year-long exercise aims to root out fraudulent power usage, underpayment issues, and any other forms of energy theft, thereby safeguarding the company’s revenues.
The initiative is supported by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s LI 2413 (2020), granting ECG unfettered access to all installations for inspection purposes. Boateng issued a stern warning against any physical attempts to obstruct the task force’s work, stating that such actions would lead to immediate disconnection of power. He emphasized the professionalism and ethical conduct expected of the task force members, who are identifiable by their company IDs and authorized to perform these checks.
In line with its commitment to customer satisfaction, ECG has also enhanced its customer care services, encouraging the public to report any grievances through their hotlines. The company underscores the importance of its customers and strives to improve efficiency in customer service.
The urgency of addressing power theft was underscored by a tragic incident where a 30-year-old man died while allegedly attempting to steal copper cables from an electricity installation. This event, which occurred at Dobro near Nsawam in the Eastern Region, not only highlighted the financial implications of theft and vandalism for ECG but also the grave safety risks associated with tampering with electrical infrastructure. ECG’s Regional General Manager, Emmanuel Akinie, appealed to the public to report suspicious activities around electricity installations to the authorities, emphasizing the dire consequences of unauthorized interference. Through these measures, ECG aims to significantly reduce power theft and vandalism, ensuring the safety and reliability of electricity supply across Ghana.
