Free electricity is not really free. It is costing Ghanaians more than they realize. Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, the CEO of the Independent Power Generators Ghana (IPGG), says that unrecorded Self-Help Electrification Program (SHEP) meters are causing big problems for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
Many of these meters are not included in ECG’s billing system, leading to huge revenue losses. This means that paying customers are unfairly covering the cost of “free electricity” used by others. He blames poor planning and lack of oversight for the issue and urges the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to act quickly to fix the problem and protect ECG’s finances.
Dr. Apetorgbor explains that while the Self-Help Electrification Program (SHEP) was meant to bring electricity to underserved areas, its poor implementation has caused serious problems.
This problem is hurting ECG’s ability to function. Without enough money, the company can’t properly maintain equipment, upgrade infrastructure, or invest in important projects. Dr. Apetorgbor warns that these financial losses are pushing ECG closer to collapse. “ECG is passing these losses on to paying customers, which isn’t fair and can’t go on like this,” he says.
Dr. Apetorgbor believes the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) must act now to fix this problem. PURC is responsible for making sure utility services are fair and efficient, and he urges them to make ECG properly add all SHEP meters to its system. He also says PURC should stop ECG from charging customers unfairly.
He adds that the government also has a role to play. The problems with SHEP meters are the result of poor planning, and the government must step up to support ECG by providing the tools and resources needed to fix the system. This will help stop revenue losses and ensure everyone pays their fair share for electricity.
Solving this issue is critical. Without urgent action, ECG’s financial troubles will only get worse, and Ghana’s electricity sector could face even bigger challenges in the future.
