The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), is in the process of employing the use of Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensors across its systems to fight the canker of power theft, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana has revealed.
Speaking at the launch of a mobile application for ECG customers on Tuesday, Vice President Bawumia indicated that difficulties in collecting payment for power supplied and eliminating power theft were major challenges confronting ECG, therefore, the use of Artificial Intelligence would be a major game-changer.
“The issue of solving the collection problem at ECG is a major part of solving the energy issue in Ghana. I think this app also enhances collection, but I am aware- because I have been talking to the Board Chairman and the MD– that they are thinking about applying technology, artificial intelligence and remote sensors in the collection process.
“I know that they are piloting the system now, and by the grace of God if all goes well, we will have implemented a new system, starting this year, whereby nobody will be able to steal electricity in Ghana again.
“It is a major thing that the ECG is likely to implement this year, using artificial intelligence and remote sensing. They are piloting it right now, and the results look quite good. Once we solve that problem, the issue of losses from people doing ‘kuluulu’ connections of electricity will be a thing of the past,” Dr Bawumia said.
The new mobile app, known as the ‘ECG Power’ was designed in-house by the ICT staff of the ECG.
It is expected that the 2.8 million out of the ECG’s 3.8 million customer base to make payments for power purchased and services rendered by the utility services provider.
Source:www.energynewsafrica.com
