The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has issued a public warning about the circulation and sale of counterfeit energy meters within its service areas.

This alert follows the Ghana Police Service’s confiscation of over 200 substandard meters during a routine inspection on the Kenyase-Atronie road in the Sunyani Metropolis.

These meters, suspected to have been smuggled from neighboring countries like Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, were intercepted at a checkpoint.

NEDCo has strongly advised the public against purchasing these unauthorized meters, citing serious safety risks such as potential fire hazards and damage to transformers, which could lead to prolonged power outages.

The company highlighted that these meters have not undergone testing or calibration to meet the standards set by regulatory bodies like the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority.

In a statement signed by Corporate  Communications Manager, Maxwell K. Kotoka, NEDCo reminded the public that importing meters without proper authorization and purchasing meters from unauthorized sources is illegal.

NEDCo has vowed to take legal action against those involved in the distribution and sale of these counterfeit meters and announced plans for a special operation to identify and apprehend offenders.

“NEDCo will take all necessary legal actions against individuals and organizations involved in the distribution, sale, purchase, and transportation of these fake meters. A surprise operation will soon be launched to detect and arrest those responsible for distributing or benefiting from these counterfeit meters.

“We urge anyone in possession of these meters to return them to the nearest NEDCo office immediately to avoid arrest and prosecution. There may be no further warning regarding this exercise.”