The ECG has installed 200 smart prepaid meters in the Suame District of Ashanti Region. This pilot project aims to evaluate the deployment of smart meters, catering to the needs of a large customer base of over 120,000. Key features include online credit purchases and tamper detection to enhance service quality and efficiency.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has implemented a significant initiative by installing 200 smart prepaid meters in the Suame District, specifically at Asuoyeboa and Bantama Racecourse. This installation is part of a pilot project aimed to run for three months, after which the feasibility of expanding smart prepaid meter deployments throughout the Suame District will be evaluated.
Mr. George Amoah, the Regional General Manager of ECG for Ashanti West, elaborated that this installation is part of their flagship Loss Reduction Project (LRP). Of the total meters, 150 are single-phase prepaid meters at Asuoyeboa, while Bantama received 50 three-phase meters. The project facilitates the replacement of outdated or faulty meters at no charge to the affected customers.
Though the Suame District previously had access to smart prepaid meters along with five other districts, this pilot seeks to introduce a dedicated smart prepaid meter service exclusively for Suame. The demand in Suame District, with over 120,000 customers, necessitates tailored solutions to adequately serve the population.
The new smart prepaid meters not only enhance monitoring capabilities for ECG by recording all activities and detecting tampering but also automatically disable recharging upon tampering. To support the pilot’s success, ECG intends to closely monitor the newly installed meters and ensure that customers retaining meter credits from their previous meters have those credits transferred to their new devices.
Complying with the Meter Management System (MMS), the new meters allow customers to purchase prepaid credits online, thus saving them time and resources. Customers will benefit from real-time data regarding their energy usage thanks to the advanced User Interface Unit included in the new meters.
Furthermore, Mr. Amoah reported that ECG has adequately addressed the backlog of meter applications in various districts, clearing all for 2024. He encourages residents to assist in counteracting illegal connections by reporting any suspicious activities to their nearest ECG office, confirming that reliable tips can earn a commission of six percent on any recovered amount related to illegal connections.
In conclusion, the Electricity Company of Ghana has taken vital steps to improve service delivery in the Suame District through the installation of smart prepaid meters under a pilot initiative. This project aims to enhance meter functionality, encourage efficient energy monitoring, and foster customer satisfaction while addressing the challenges posed by illegal energy connections. The initiative reflects ECG’s commitment to adapting to customer needs and modernizing energy infrastructure.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
