The Ashanti East Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has introduced a new pre-paid smart meter systems 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.

Mr Asomani Wiafe, General Manager, Ashanti East Region of the ECG, speaking during the unveiling of the new meter at the Manhyia District office in Kumasi, said the new smart meter was anticipated to address the issue of power losses and enhance revenue generation.

He said electricity pilferage continued to pose a significant challenge to the company's smooth operation, and that the new prepaid meter was equipped with advanced features capable of detecting tampering, commonly known as illicit power connections.

Presently, ECG management has replaced all outdated prepaid and postpaid meters in the Manhyia District, situated in the Ashanti regional capital.

Mr Wiafe, urged the public to embrace the new smart prepaid meter, since it would serve their best interest.

“In the past, we utilized various meter types that were not of the intelligent digital variety.

We are now transitioning to digital technology, in line with Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s directive.

All our apparatus are now digital, rendering them more efficient and precise,” he remarked.

Mrs. Tamara Asomani Wiafe, Project Manager, said the new meter would be in the interest of both the consumer and the system administrators.

“This intelligent prepaid meter boasts special functionalities that aid ECG in identifying tampering and the installation of unauthorized meters.

It also offers convenience to customers as they can purchase prepaid credit via their mobile devices without the need to visit a vendor.

Additionally, there are other codes available for customers to monitor the units consumed and the remaining balance on the meter.

The most advantageous aspect is that credit can be purchased even when outside one’s region or the country, thanks to its intelligent connectivity to the systems,” she explained.

Mrs Wiafe also debunked assertions that the new smart prepaid meters were not user-friendly or exorbitant, providing clarifications to address these concerns.

“The meter will assist consumers in saving more money, contrary to claims of its accelerated rate and subsequent expensive usage.

The functionalities seamlessly align with a well-structured wiring system.

With proper wiring and grounding, there will be no meter overruns.

Compared to the outdated prepaid and postpaid meters, this system offers far greater convenience for customers.

For the Manhyia District, we have just initiated the project and will furnish customers with the essential education to help them comprehend the effectiveness of this system,” she assured.