ECG Installs 200 Smart Prepaid Meters in Suame District

The ECG has launched a pilot project in Suame District, installing 200 smart prepaid meters to enhance service and efficiency. This initiative, part of the Loss Reduction Project, aims to accommodate the district’s 120,000 customers with features that prevent illegal activities. The project highlights customer convenience through online credit purchasing and real-time monitoring, while also addressing previous meter application backlogs.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has installed 200 new smart prepaid meters in the Suame District, specifically at Asuoyeboa and Bantam Racecourse, as part of a pilot project. This initiative, expected to last three months, will inform future decisions regarding the rollout of smart prepaid meters throughout the district. George Amoah, the Ashanti West Regional General Manager of ECG, emphasized that this installation is part of the Loss Reduction Project (LRP), a flagship initiative aimed at reducing energy losses.

In this pilot project, 150 single-phase prepaid meters and 50 three-phase meters have been installed, replacing non-smart and faulty prepayment meters, as well as some postpaid meters, at no charge for customers. Mr. Amoah stated that Suame District, which has a customer population of over 120,000, necessitates a dedicated smart prepaid meter system to accommodate its growing demands for electricity services.

The newly installed smart prepaid meters include features such as activity recorders that facilitate the detection of illegal activities. Moreover, if tampered with, these meters will deactivate, preventing customers from purchasing prepaid credits. The pilot project will be closely monitored by ECG to ensure it meets customer needs, and credits from previous meters will be transferred to the new ones.

In alignment with the Meter Management System (MMS), customers can now purchase prepaid credits online, avoiding the need for in-person visits to vending points. The smart meters also offer real-time information on energy usage, enhancing convenience for users. Mr. Amoah added that the ECG has resolved all meter application backlogs in the Ashanti West Region for 2024 and encouraged citizens to report illegal connections, offering a six percent commission as an incentive for valuable information.

The installation of 200 new smart prepaid meters in the Suame District by the Electricity Company of Ghana marks a significant step in enhancing electricity service provision. This pilot project aims to improve customer experience, promote energy efficiency, and curb illegal connections. With the added convenience of online prepaid credit purchasing and real-time usage tracking, this initiative promises to meet the demands of a growing customer base effectively.

Original Source: gna.org.gh