The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is preparing to launch a major revenue mobilization exercise, dubbed “Operation Keep The Lights On,” from January 15th to 31st, 2025. This comprehensive operation, spanning all ECG operational areas, aims to address the persistent challenge of outstanding customer debt and ensure the integrity of prepaid metering systems. ECG has issued a stern warning to customers, emphasizing that self-reconnection following disconnection is a criminal offense punishable by law. The company anticipates full public cooperation, citing legal backing from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s LI (2413), which grants ECG unrestricted access to all its installations. This exercise represents a critical step in ECG’s efforts to maintain financial stability and ensure the consistent provision of electricity services.
During this period, ECG will deploy a significant portion of its workforce, including top management, directly into the field for “Operation Keep The Lights On.” This strategic redeployment will result in a reduced staff presence at regional and district offices, prioritizing field operations aimed at recovering outstanding debts and inspecting prepaid meters. The focus on debt recovery underscores the financial pressures faced by the electricity company and the need to ensure sufficient revenue to sustain operations and investments in infrastructure. The inspection of prepaid meters is crucial for preventing revenue loss due to tampering or other forms of meter manipulation.
The core objective of “Operation Keep The Lights On” is twofold: to recover outstanding debts from customers in arrears and to ensure the integrity of prepaid meters. Unpaid customer bills significantly impact ECG’s financial viability, hindering its ability to invest in infrastructure upgrades, maintain existing networks, and provide reliable electricity services. By actively pursuing debt recovery, ECG aims to improve its financial position and strengthen its capacity to meet the growing energy demands of Ghana. Simultaneously, the inspection of prepaid meters seeks to curb illegal connections and meter tampering, which contribute to revenue loss and undermine the fairness of the electricity distribution system.
ECG’s emphasis on the illegality of self-reconnection after disconnection highlights the seriousness of this offense. Self-reconnection not only deprives the company of revenue but also poses significant safety risks to both the individual attempting the reconnection and the wider community. Improperly connected electrical systems can lead to fires, electrocution, and damage to property. By enforcing the law against self-reconnection, ECG aims to deter this dangerous practice and ensure the safety and integrity of the electricity network. The company urges customers to engage with them regarding any payment difficulties rather than resorting to illegal and potentially hazardous actions.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s LI (2413) provides the legal framework for ECG’s access to its installations during the revenue mobilization exercise. This legislation empowers ECG personnel to enter customer premises to inspect meters, disconnect service for non-payment, and carry out other necessary tasks related to the provision and management of electricity services. The company’s invocation of this legal instrument underscores its commitment to operating within the boundaries of the law while pursuing its mandate to collect revenues and maintain the integrity of the electricity network. ECG’s appeal for public cooperation is essential for the smooth and effective execution of this operation.
“Operation Keep The Lights On” signifies a concerted effort by ECG to address critical challenges in revenue collection and ensure the sustainability of its operations. By targeting both outstanding debts and meter integrity, the company aims to improve its financial position, reduce losses, and enhance the reliability of electricity supply. The engagement of top management and a significant portion of the workforce demonstrates ECG’s commitment to this exercise and its importance for the long-term viability of the electricity sector in Ghana. The company’s emphasis on legal compliance and public cooperation reinforces its dedication to operating within established frameworks while pursuing its mandate to provide a vital service to the nation. The success of this operation will depend on the collective responsibility of both ECG and its customers to ensure a sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all.
