The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has expressed regret for any disruptions caused by its current initiative to replace outdated meters with smart meters.
The company has acknowledged encountering some difficulties during the transition and is asking for Ghanaians’ patience as it strives to improve efficiency in power distribution.
Miss Mary Opong Eshun, the Public Relations Officer for Accra East ECG, issued the apology during an interview on the Ghana Yensom morning show, hosted by Otafrigya Kayire Kwesi Apea-Apreku and Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman, on Accra 100.5 FM on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Ms. Eshun explained that this initiative is focused on removing meters that have surpassed their ten-year lifespan and are no longer functioning effectively.
“Some of these expired meters have become inefficient over the years, necessitating their replacement,” she explained.
She reassured customers that the rollout of smart meters is aimed at improving electricity management rather than exploiting them.
She detailed that when ECG staff replace old meters with new smart meters, they document all relevant information. Existing credit is transferred to the new meter, and any outstanding balances are also carried over.
Ms. Eshun noted that the smart meters can be controlled remotely via the ECG app, which should help decrease the long wait times commonly experienced at vending locations.
She also advised customers to inspect their property’s earthing and wiring if they find that their credit depletes faster than usual on the new meters.
“Some properties have outdated wiring systems or damaged earthing, which can lead to faster credit consumption,” she noted.
Ms Eshun called on customers to report any challenges they encountered as a result of the exercise for prompt resolution.