The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Dubik Mahama, has addressed mounting public dissatisfaction over the installation of new smart meters, assuring customers that the transition is aimed at enhancing accuracy in billing rather than inflating costs.
In recent months, numerous ECG customers have voiced concerns over perceived inaccuracies and unexpected increases in electricity charges, attributing these issues to the new meters.
However, Mr. Mahama has emphasized that the smart meters are designed to offer a precise reflection of a customer’s electricity consumption, thereby providing a clearer understanding of energy usage. “We have no interest in overcharging our customers,” he stated, stressing ECG’s commitment to fair billing practices.
The new meters, he explained, measure consumption based on actual usage rather than estimates, which is crucial for ensuring equitable charges.
To allay fears, Mr. Mahama pointed out that the meters undergo rigorous testing and calibration processes. Both the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and ECG conduct these evaluations to ensure that each meter meets stringent quality standards. “These meters are tested by the standards authority and by ECG itself to make sure they pass the quality test,” he noted, adding that random checks are also performed by the standards authority to verify the meters’ accuracy in the field.
Mr. Mahama, however, acknowledged that some customers had previously benefited from outdated meters, which failed to register updated tariff rates. This discrepancy led to lower costs for these users over time. “When we change the tariff, if your meter is old, it might not take the new tariff,” he explained.
With the new smart meters now in place, customers are encountering their actual consumption levels reflected in their bills, which has caused frustration among those who were previously unaware of their true energy usage.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Mahama stressed the importance of shared responsibility in the transition to smart meters. While ECG is committed to improving service delivery, he urged customers to recognize their role in the process.
“We need to help each other to grow in this sector,” he remarked, highlighting the need for cooperation between the utility and its customers to foster a more efficient electricity system.
