The NITES Group, an international information technology development organisation, has held talks with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to explore the adoption of advanced metering technology aimed at reducing electricity losses in the northern operational zone.
The engagement took place during a working visit by the NITES delegation to Tamale, where discussions centred on collaboration to curb technical and commercial losses across NEDCo’s distribution network.
Electricity losses in the area are reported to exceed 40 percent, posing significant financial and operational challenges.
During the meeting, NITES officials presented smart metering solutions designed to improve billing accuracy, enable real-time monitoring of energy flows and detect irregularities within the distribution system.
The technology is intended to strengthen oversight of electricity consumption and network performance.
Dr. Dmitar Cickovic, who led the delegation, said the advanced metering system had been deployed across several million metering points in Europe, where it achieved measurable reductions in distribution losses.
He explained that the solution offers utilities enhanced visibility of consumption patterns, helping to detect leakages, meter tampering and other anomalies at an early stage.
According to him, improved data access and monitoring would enable utility providers to tighten operational controls, improve revenue assurance and enhance service reliability.
Another member of the delegation, Mr. Vladimir Petrovic, noted that the technology had been tested in diverse regulatory environments and demonstrated strong scalability and reliability.
He said such systems were increasingly critical for utilities seeking to modernise ageing infrastructure and improve efficiency.
Managing Director of NEDCo, Mr. John Okine Yamoah, welcomed the engagement and acknowledged that electricity losses remain a major hurdle for power distribution in northern Ghana.
He said the high level of losses negatively affects revenue mobilisation, operational efficiency and the reliability of electricity supply to customers.
The meeting followed earlier consultations facilitated by Mr. Gilbert Yelewere Meznar in partnership with AL-Sofwan Company Limited, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sofwan Alhassan.
Mr. Sofwan expressed optimism that the introduction of advanced metering technology would strengthen NEDCo’s financial position, promote fair and transparent billing, and improve overall service delivery to consumers.
Officials from both sides described the discussions as constructive and signalled interest in building a long-term partnership aimed at modernising electricity distribution, reducing losses and enhancing operational efficiency across NEDCo’s network.
