At the Dabala Junction checkpoint in the Volta Region, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has seized more than 700 counterfeit electrical meters.

Customs officers, conducting a thorough inspection of an Aflao-bound bus destined for Accra on Sunday, discovered the fake meters concealed in the luggage compartment and confiscated them.

None of the passengers on board the bus claimed ownership of the counterfeit meters, prompting the Customs officials to take possession of the consignment.

Ms. Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, the Volta Regional Manager of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), confirmed this development to the Ghana News Agency. She stated that only the ECG, NEDCO, and the Ministry of Energy were authorized to import meters, making it illegal for individuals to engage in such business.

The company is cracking down on these counterfeit meters, as they have been installed without the knowledge of the ECG, she added.

“This nation-wrecking activity is taking a negative toll on the commercial and technical operations of the Company,” Ms Jatoe-Kaleo said.

“It is illegal to import meters into the country and acquire meters from other sources apart from ECG. We will take all necessary legal actions against individuals who are trying to infiltrate our network with these fake meters, including those who aid them by selling or buying those meters.”

She revealed that those meters were substandard and could cause fire outbreaks, saying: “Our meters are tested and calibrated to meet the required standards of our country, but these foreign meters are not calibrated so customers using them are likely to incur higher electricity bills than our standard meters.”

“Using such unauthorized meters poses several dangers to the user, other ECG customers and the company.”

According to Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo, one of these risks could overload and harm transformers, resulting in outages and financial losses.

She urged clients to stay away from buying those meters and interacting with other parties in favor of going to the ECG offices for any needed services.

“With the introduction of the Loss Reduction Programme and Flat rate policy, we have many options to service our customers anytime they apply for meters, so kindly visit the nearest ECG office and apply to ensure you are served instead of engaging in the illegal act of purchasing from illegal sources,” she said.

In order for the ECG to collect enough income to support the power supply chain, Ms. Jatoe-Kaleo urged the public to help the Company win the battle against fraudulent meter dealers by reporting any individuals involved in it.

“Users of these foreign meters consume electricity illegally without paying and this is not fair to customers who pay their bills. Such individuals usually complain they are not receiving bills, and this is because their meters were obtained and installed illegally…”.

“We would like to commend the GRA and Customs Division together with other security agencies like the military, national

security and Ghana Police Service for supporting the company in the fight against illegal meters,” Ms Jatoe-Kaleo said,

She advised clients to download the ECG PowerApp or use the shortcode *226# to settle all unpaid balances so that the business could continue to provide reliable power.