The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a significant policy shift aimed at improving revenue collection and reducing mounting debts, granting its meter readers the authority to disconnect electricity supply to customers with unpaid bills.
The new directive, which takes immediate effect, empowers designated meter readers across the country to carry out on-the-spot disconnections for customers who default on payment beyond the stipulated period. The move forms part of ECG’s intensified efforts to clamp down on revenue leakages and ensure financial stability within Ghana’s power distribution sector.
According to ECG officials, the decision is driven by persistent challenges in bill recovery, which have adversely affected the company’s operations and its ability to meet financial obligations to power producers and other stakeholders in the energy value chain.
The company has long battled with high levels of unpaid bills from both residential and commercial consumers, with arrears running into millions of cedis. Management believes that empowering meter readers—who are already on the ground interacting with customers monthly—will enhance efficiency and serve as a strong deterrent against habitual non-payment.
An ECG spokesperson explained that meter readers will be equipped with proper identification, documentation, and digital verification tools to ensure that disconnections are carried out lawfully and professionally.
“This measure is not punitive but necessary. Timely payment of electricity bills is essential to sustaining reliable power supply nationwide,” the spokesperson noted.
ECG has assured customers that the policy will adhere strictly to laid-down procedures. Consumers will continue to receive prior notice of outstanding bills through SMS alerts, printed bills, and in-person communication before any disconnection is effected.
Customers who have genuine billing disputes are encouraged to report promptly to the nearest ECG office to resolve issues before the due date. The company emphasized that disconnection will only occur after all reminders have been issued and payment deadlines exceeded.
In addition, ECG has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability. Meter readers authorized to disconnect supply are expected to issue official documentation indicating the reason for disconnection and steps required for reconnection.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among the public.
While some consumers have welcomed the move as a necessary step to promote fairness—arguing that regular payers should not bear the burden of defaulters—others have expressed concerns about potential abuse of power and wrongful disconnections.
Consumer advocacy groups are urging ECG to ensure strict supervision and monitoring of its staff to prevent harassment or extortion. They have also called for a streamlined and responsive complaint resolution mechanism to address grievances swiftly.
Ghana’s power sector has faced ongoing financial pressures in recent years, with distribution losses, illegal connections, and non-payment contributing significantly to revenue shortfalls. ECG’s latest decision is seen as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the sustainability of the energy sector.
Energy analysts note that improved revenue collection is critical for maintaining stable power generation and distribution. Without adequate funds, ECG risks delays in payments to independent power producers, which could potentially impact electricity supply reliability.
ECG is appealing to all customers to prioritize prompt payment of electricity bills to avoid inconvenience.
The company has reminded the public that reconnection after disconnection will require full settlement of arrears, along with applicable reconnection fees.
As the new policy rolls out nationwide, the success of the initiative will likely depend on effective implementation, public cooperation, and vigilant oversight. For now, ECG remains firm in its position that strengthening revenue enforcement is essential to delivering consistent and sustainable electricity services to Ghanaians.
