The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), in partnership with Brainsfield Ltd., has launched a new smart prepaid meter system designed to tackle electricity theft and reduce system losses. The initiative is part of ECG’s Loss Reduction Programme (LRP) under a supply and installation contract with Brainsfield Ltd.
The new meters will replace all existing postpaid and prepaid meters for both domestic and commercial users across the country.
Speaking at the launch in the Manhyia District, Kumasi, Mr. Maclean Kajola Dzormekuh, Project Manager for Brainsfield Ltd., described the company as a leader in Ghana’s real estate industry, known for providing smart and affordable products for middle-income consumers.
“In the last couple of years, we have ventured into the energy metering sector with the goal of bringing our culture of intelligent and innovative solutions to this space,” he stated. “As our name suggests, you wouldn’t find us doing anything that’s not intelligent and solution-oriented.”
Mr. Dzormekuh also revealed Brainsfield Ltd.’s plans to establish a meter assembly plant in Pokuase, Accra, with an annual capacity of 200,000 units.
Mr. John Atechiga, the Brainsfield Project Engineer, then proceed to introduce the two meters — the Single Phase BY100C, and the Three Phase BY300C. The newly introduced smart prepaid meters come with advanced features to prevent tampering and enhance efficiency. The meters are capable of real-time communication with ECG’s central servers, allowing for better monitoring and control.
Mrs. Tamara Asomani Wiafe, the Loss Reduction Programme Project Manager, emphasized the user-friendly and convenient nature of the smart meters.
“This meter allows customers to purchase prepaid credits through their mobile phones, even if they are outside their region or the country,” she explained. “It also has special codes that enable customers to check their remaining credit and usage history. These features make the new system far more convenient than the older meters.”
Addressing concerns about the meter’s speed and perceived costs, Mrs. Asomani-Wiafe clarified: “The new meters are highly accurate and measure power consumption properly, unlike some of the old ones that were faulty or incomplete in their readings. With proper wiring, no leakages, and good earthing, the meters will not overrun. In fact, they will help customers save money.”
The General Manager of ECG’s Ashanti East Region, Mr. Wiafe, expressed optimism about the smart meter’s potential to address long-standing challenges, particularly electricity theft and revenue loss.
“Over the years, we have had different meters that were not smart or digital. Now we are going fully digital, as emphasized by Vice President Dr. Bawumia. This digital system ensures accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with modern standards,” Mr. Wiafe said.
He urged customers to embrace the new system, assuring them that the smart meters serve their best interests.
“Some users may think the new meters run faster, but the reality is that they measure consumption accurately, which wasn’t always the case with the older ones. The new meters are MMS-compliant, meaning customers can buy credit from any location without limitations,” he explained.
The project rollout has commenced in the Manhyia District, Kumasi, as part of ECG’s broader plan to replace all old meters nationwide. The ECG team has also pledged to educate customers on how to use the new meters effectively to ensure a smooth transition.
“The Manhyia project is just the beginning,” Mrs. Wiafe assured. “We will ensure customers are well-informed on the smart meter’s features and benefits, making their experience seamless.”
