The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has outlined key factors contributing to high electricity consumption among customers.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Director of Communications at ECG, William Boateng, explained that while electricity tariffs are regulated, usage patterns largely determine how much consumers pay.

Mr. Boateng noted that an increase in electrical appliances, as well as the duration of their usage, significantly affects power consumption. He also highlighted that hot weather conditions drive higher usage, as cooling appliances such as air conditioners and fans are used more frequently.

Household wiring and faulty meters can further impact electricity bills, although ECG’s monitoring system can track consumption patterns and detect anomalies.

“The tariffs are regulated. Increasing the number of electrical appliances you use leads to higher consumption, and the duration of usage also impacts your overall consumption. Additionally, weather conditions play a role; for instance, hot weather causes an increase in the use of cooling appliances. Wiring can affect efficiency as well, and the meter itself may malfunction. Fortunately, our system can track your consumption, so when you report any issues, we can verify and replace faulty meters,” he said.

Mr. Boateng also identified high-energy consuming appliances, including electric cookers, washing machines, deep fryers, irons, water heaters, hand dryers, and desktop computers with monitors. He noted that a refrigerator typically consumes about 200 watts.

He urged consumers to be mindful of the appliances they use and to consider low-energy options to manage their electricity bills.

“For reference, a refrigerator typically consumes about 200 watts. High-consumption items include computers with monitors, electric cookers, washing machines, deep fryers, irons, water heaters, and hand dryers. It’s important to be mindful of the appliances we use. On the other hand, there are also low-consumption items available that you can use,” he added.