The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Volta Region has encouraged its customers to utilize the ECG PowerApp for settling all outstanding bills.

This move is aimed at ensuring a stable power supply and sustaining the electricity distribution chain.The company has launched an initiative called "Operation Zero," which focuses on mass revenue mobilization.

Starting on 11th July and spanning two months, this exercise aims to prompt all electricity consumers to clear any arrears they may have.

In an interview with the media, Ms. Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, the General Manager of ECG Volta Region, revealed that the ECG PowerApp has been updated with new features, such as customer statements, bill viewing, and payment history.

Additionally, users with smart prepaid meters in the Volta Region can now access their consumption history through the app.To ensure the success of Operation Zero, the company has decided to discontinue accepting cash payments at their offices.

Furthermore, field staff will not be authorized to collect cash as part of this initiative.

“Our staff are not accepting cash, so we humbly appeal to all customers to visit Google Play Store or App Store and download or update the ECG PowerApp to view and pay their bills before our revenue officers visit their premises. Customers can also pay and view their bills through the shortcode *226#”, she said.

The General Manager stated that Operation Zero is currently being implemented in all 11 Districts of ECG, spanning both the Volta and Oti Regions.

This exercise stands out from previous ones, as it aims to address two categories of customers: those already within the ECG system and those consuming power but not officially registered with ECG.

By targeting both these customer groups, the Electricity Company of Ghana aims to bring more consumers into the formal system, ensure all electricity users contribute to revenue generation, and ultimately improve the stability of power supply and the overall sustainability of the electricity distribution chain.

This approach seeks to achieve a more comprehensive and effective revenue mobilization effort.

“As part of this exercise, we are also looking at customers who are consuming power but not in the system of ECG. For example, when we get to your house and realize your meter is not in our system or you are consuming power through illegal means, we will capture your details, regularize your supply and give you a flat rate”

According to Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo, the Li 2413 (likely referring to a specific legal provision or regulation) empowers the company to impose additional charges on customers who have outstanding bills for a period of twelve months. However, as part of the Operation Zero exercise, the company has decided to offer a moratorium to its customers.

During this moratorium period, customers who have been using electricity without making payments, as well as those with direct connections, faulty meters, or meters obtained through illegal means such as "Foreign meters," are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. They should visit the ECG Office to regularize their electricity supply within the system.

It's worth noting that some companies have already faced disconnection due to non-payment of their bills as part of the Operation Zero exercise.

This shows the company's commitment to enforcing the moratorium and ensuring that customers meet their payment obligations.

“The Zoomlion recycling plant at Dambai and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in Dambai have been disconnected for owing 12,514 GH Cedis and 9, 981 Gh Cedis respectively”.