The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is conducting an audit of new prepaid meters installed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited (NEDCo) across the country.
The audit aims to ensure that these meters comply with the commission’s tariff guidelines for accurate billing and tariff application.
This initiative follows numerous consumer complaints regarding overbilling after the replacement of old meters. The audit will assess the functionality of the new meters and identify any potential discrepancies.
PURC Executive Secretary, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, revealed the audit at a forum in Accra last Monday. He emphasized that the commission is working closely with the utilities to address consumer concerns. “We are testing some of the meters to see whether they are in line with our tariff reckoner. When we are done, we will state our findings,” he said.
ECG and NEDCo have recently rolled out a nationwide smart meter installation project aimed at reducing energy losses and improving efficiency.
These advanced meters are designed to provide accurate, real-time data on electricity consumption, facilitating better revenue management.
Despite the benefits, the introduction of smart meters has sparked controversy, with many consumers raising concerns about overbilling and discrepancies in their bills after the meter replacements.
Dr. Ackah acknowledged these concerns and assured that the PURC was taking proactive steps to address them, including issuing advisories and conducting the audit.
He also advised consumers to carefully inspect the identification cards of meter replacement officers, ensure they are from the utilities, and record the final reading of the old meter before it is replaced. This final reading will serve as a reference if any billing issues arise after the replacement.
“But before that is done, I will urge consumers to be cautious when their metres are being replaced. Firstly, we want customers to inspect the identification cards of the officers replacing their meters and be sure they are from the utilities.
“They must take the final recording of the old meter before they are replaced and signed. Most often, the customers complain that they had a certain amount of money on their meter, but after replacement, the meter became empty.
To further assist consumers, the PURC has intensified efforts to educate the public on its electricity consumption estimator. This tool helps customers understand their energy usage and manage consumption, ultimately lowering their bills.
Dr. Ackah also highlighted the importance of using efficient appliances, especially second-hand ones, to prevent energy waste. By using appliances that are suitable for the country’s power system, consumers can better manage their electricity consumption.
The PURC remains committed to protecting consumers from unfair billing practices and maintaining trust in the utility services.
