The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a stern warning to customers and the general public in the Ashanti Region about the illegal sale, distribution, and purchase of counterfeit meters.
The power distributor expressed grave concerns over the increasing proliferation of fake meters within its operational areas, announcing plans to clamp down on this unlawful activity.
This warning follows the recent confiscation of substandard meters at the Dabala Checkpoint, where a thorough inspection of a bus heading to Kumasi from Aflao and Tech Junction revealed meters originating from Togo.
Mr. Maxwell Dapaah, the ECG Ashanti-West General Manager, highlighted the dangers posed by these fake meters, stressing that they are not captured in ECG’s system for billing and other commercial activities.
“It is illegal to import meters into the country and also acquire meters from other sources apart from ECG. We will take all necessary legal actions against individuals who are trying to infiltrate our network with these fake meters, including those who aid them by selling or buying those meters,” he stated.
Mr. Dapaah also pointed out that these meters do not meet ECG’s specifications, nor are they tested and calibrated to meet the standards set by regulatory bodies like the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority, thus posing significant risks such as fire outbreaks and transformer damage.
In an effort to address this issue, Mr. Dapaah urged customers to refrain from purchasing meters from unauthorized sources and to instead contact ECG directly for genuine meters.
He promoted the company’s Loss Reduction Programme (LRP) and Flat Rate Policy as viable options for obtaining meters legally and safely.
“With the introduction of the LRP and Flat Rate Policy, we have many options to service our customers anytime they apply for meters. So kindly visit the nearest ECG Office and apply to ensure you are served instead of engaging in the illegal act of purchasing from illegal sources,” he advised.
Mr. Dapaah called on the public to support ECG in its efforts to combat the spread of fake meters, emphasizing the importance of paying for electricity to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for all.
