The Ashanti East Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has introduced a new prepaid smart meter system aimed at addressing operational inefficiencies.

The innovative prepaid smart meter is set to replace the existing postpaid and prepaid meters currently in use for residential and industrial purposes.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new meter at the Manhyia District office in Kumasi, Mr. Asomani Wiafe, General Manager of the Ashanti East Region of ECG, stated that the smart meter was expected to address issues of power losses and enhance revenue generation.

He noted that electricity pilferage remained a significant challenge to the smooth operation of the company. The new prepaid meter, equipped with advanced features, is capable of detecting tampering, commonly known as illicit power connections.

Currently, ECG has begun replacing outdated prepaid and postpaid meters in the Manhyia District, located in the Ashanti regional capital.

Mr. Wiafe urged the public to embrace the new smart prepaid meter, emphasizing its benefits saying: “In the past, we used various meter types that were not digital. We are now transitioning to digital technology, in line with Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s directive. All our devices are now digital, making them more efficient and precise.”

Mrs. Tamara Asomani Wiafe, Project Manager, highlighted that the new meter would benefit both consumers and system administrators.

“This intelligent prepaid meter includes special functionalities that allow ECG to detect tampering and unauthorized installations. It also provides convenience to customers, enabling them to purchase prepaid credit via their mobile devices without visiting a vendor.

Additionally, customers can use specific codes to monitor their electricity usage and check their remaining balance. The most advantageous feature is the ability to purchase credit even when outside one’s region or the country, thanks to the system’s intelligent connectivity,” she explained.

Mrs. Wiafe also addressed concerns that the new smart prepaid meters were not user-friendly or overly expensive, providing clarifications to dispel such misconceptions.

“The meter actually helps consumers save money, contrary to claims of accelerated usage and high costs. The system’s performance aligns with properly structured wiring systems. With correct wiring and grounding, there will be no meter overruns.

Compared to the old prepaid and postpaid meters, this system offers far greater convenience. For the Manhyia District, we have just begun the project and will provide customers with essential education to help them understand the efficiency and benefits of this system,” she assured.