ECG Eastern Region Recovers GH¢1.54 Million from Power Theft and Illegal Connections
Management of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Eastern Region has successfully recovered GH¢1.54 million from customers involved in various forms of power theft and illegalities.
The Eastern Regional Manager of ECG, Ing. Emmanuel Appoe, disclosed this during a media interaction, revealing that the recovered amount represents only about 5% of persons uncovered engaging in illegal use of power.
He explained that the recoveries resulted from intensified monitoring and operations by the Revenue Protection Unit, aimed at reducing significant commercial losses that continue to affect the company’s finances and service delivery.
Breakdown of Illegalities
Ing. Appoe stated that over 100 cases of deliberate interference with the power grid were uncovered. The specific breakdown includes:
- 47 cases of unauthorized service connections (customers connecting directly to the grid without official approval)
- 37 cases of meter tampering and physical interference with meters to under-report consumption
- 33 cases of meter bypasses (direct routing of electricity to completely avoid the metering system)
While commending the success of the revenue protection efforts, Ing. Appoe noted that these illegal activities continue to drain resources that could otherwise be used to improve the electricity network and provide better service to customers.
He also highlighted another growing challenge — “system disturbances” caused by public negligence and accidents, which often lead to massive unplanned repair costs for the company.
To improve service delivery and curb irregularities, Ing. Appoe said franchise officers have been mandated to assist in meter reading and monitoring.
The ECG Eastern Region has warned that it will continue with aggressive monitoring and prosecution of power theft cases to protect revenue and ensure reliable power supply to legitimate customers.
Source: Statement by Ing. Emmanuel Appoe, Eastern Regional Manager, ECG
