Ghana’s southern power distribution company, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), has detected 6,491 cases of illegal connections in the Tema Region over six months.
Out of the 6,491 illegal connections detected from September 2022 to February 2023, a total of 1,555 illegal connections were detected in February 2023 alone, the highest within the period.
The cost of the power consumed through illegal connections amounted to Gh¢2,891,263.4.
So far, an amount of Gh¢2,149,148.25 has been retrieved, leaving Gh¢742,115.15
ECG Tema Region covers nine districts which include North Tema South Tema, Nungua, Afienya, Prampram, Ada, Krobo, Juapong and Ashaiman.
The Public Relations Officer for ECG Tema Region, Sakyiwaa Mensah, who revealed this, said the company is worried by the increasing incidents of illegal connections which are affecting the operations of the company and said ECG would stop at nothing to prosecute offenders.
“Within the six months period which is between September 2022 and February 2023, the ECG Tema Region detected 6,491 illegal connections. Out of this, we billed an amount of Gh¢2,891,263.4. We have been able to retrieve GH¢2,149,148.25.
“We detected these through routine meter monitoring to check the integrity of meters. The Revenue Protection Unit of the Tema Region handles these issues. Out of the 6,491 illegal connections detected, the highest was a total of 1,555 in February 2023 alone,” she said.
She said ECG has the mandate to prosecute customers caught bypassing meters and those who fail to pay for power users would be charged with the offence of stealing.
“We, therefore, admonish customers to desist from all forms of illegal connection which includes meter bypass, meter tampering and direct connection. Customers should please stay away from fidgeting with all ECG installations including meters,” the Public Relations Officer for ECG Tema Region cautioned.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
