Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)’s plans to combat power theft by implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Remote Sensors across its systems.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘ECG Power’ mobile application, Vice President Bawumia emphasized the challenges ECG faces in collecting payments and preventing power theft.
He stated that the use of AI would be a significant game-changer, and the pilot system is underway, with promising results.
“The issue of solving the collection problem at ECG is a major part of solving the energy issue in Ghana. I think this app also enhances collection, but I am aware- because I have been talking to the Board Chairman and the MD– that they are thinking about applying technology, artificial intelligence and remote sensors in the collection process.
“I know that they are piloting the system now, and by the grace of God if all goes well, we will have implemented a new system, starting this year, whereby nobody will be able to steal electricity in Ghana again. “It is a major thing that the ECG is likely to implement this year, using artificial intelligence and remote sensing. They are piloting it right now, and the results look quite good. Once we solve that problem, the issue of losses from people doing ‘kuluulu’ connections of electricity will be a thing of the past,”Dr Bawumia said.
The ‘ECG Power’ app, designed in-house, aims to facilitate payments and services for ECG’s customer base, expected to increase as smart meters replace old ones.
Users can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, while non-smartphone users can access the service by dialing *226#. Vice President Bawumia commended ECG for employing technology to address critical functions and enhance revenue mobilization.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to using digital technology for a comprehensive transformation of Ghana’s economy.