The recent installation of new electricity meters by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has left many Ghanaians frustrated over increased power bills. Individuals and businesses alike have expressed concerns about having to double their expenses to maintain electricity usage.Addressing these concerns during a campaign in the Asante Akim South constituency, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr.

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Mahamudu Bawumia, attributed the rising electricity costs to the reliance on imported oil and gas for power generation.Dr. Bawumia proposed solar energy as a long-term solution to reduce electricity costs. He outlined plans to establish solar farms in all districts to cut electricity bills by up to 50%.

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"Ghana has abundant sunlight, and we can harness it to generate solar power for our energy needs," he stated, emphasizing that this approach could provide a sustainable solution to the country's high energy costs.His remarks have sparked discussions on renewable energy as a viable means of addressing Ghana's electricity challenges."Our electricity bill has increased, and I want to introduce a policy to take care of that.

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The bill has increased because we import oil and gas to produce electricity. I thus want us to use solar power to generate electricity," Dr. Bawumia stated."The technology exists already, and we have enough sunlight to produce solar power. I will create solar farms in all districts, which will reduce the cost of electricity by 50%," he added.

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The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has explained that the meter replacement exercise is a key component of its Loss Reduction Programme (LRP), designed to enhance energy management by introducing smart meters.These advanced meters are intended to address system inefficiencies, ensure precise readings, and resolve billing issues that were common with the previous models.

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Additionally, the meters feature anti-tampering technology to combat illegal connections and minimize losses resulting from electricity theft.

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