ECG Warns of ‘Fake’ Substandard Meters from Côte d’Ivoire in Ashanti Region

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to the public about the purchase of ‘fake’ meters from unauthorized individuals.

According to ECG, it is the sole entity legally authorized to provide meters, and anyone found engaging in the sale or use of these fake meters will face legal consequences.

Benjamin Obeng Antwi, ECG’s Public Relations Officer for the Ashanti West Region, addressed this issue on OTEC FM’s breakfast show on Monday, June 3, 2024.

He expressed concern over the proliferation of counterfeit meters, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which is adversely affecting the company’s revenue.

“These fake meters do not record any power consumption, allowing customers to use electricity for free,” Antwi explained.

“We have traced some of these meters back to Côte d’Ivoire. They are essentially empty cases with only a display board inside, lacking the circuits needed to measure energy usage. A bar inside the meter directly connects the output and input terminals.”

Antwi also warned that these substandard meters pose a fire risk due to their poor design and construction.

He advised residents of the Ashanti Region to only obtain meters directly from ECG, assuring them that the company has sufficient stock to meet demand. ECG has instructed its district offices to speed up the meter acquisition process to reduce delays.

Antwi emphasized that ECG regularly monitors and audits energy meters and other equipment to ensure compliance and urged the public to avoid using fake meters.