The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has declared that ‘No Free Consumption,’ a special operation, will begin on February 1 and run through February 15 in an attempt to collect unpaid bills from customers.
The operation will involve ECG field teams conducting various activities aimed at updating customer details, including phone numbers and GPS addresses.
Additionally, the teams will be tasked with the collection of arrears from consumers and disconnection of services for those who have failed to settle outstanding payments.
In a statement released on Thursday, ECG outlined the comprehensive nature of the operation. Apart from updating customer information, the field teams will utilize the new Zeus Mobile device to capture pictorial readings of all postpaid meters.
This electronic device will also be employed to capture and regularize all Self-Help Electrification Program (SHEP) and non-ECG meters, with customers required to pay any applicable regularization fees.
Acknowledging the potential inconvenience caused by the operation, the statement explained that regional and district offices would operate with a reduced staff during this period.
However, these staff members will ensure the provision of essential services to customers affected by the exercise.
The announcement has prompted reactions from consumers, with some expressing concerns about potential disconnections and the need for timely settlement of arrears. Others have raised questions about the regularization process for SHEP and non-ECG meters.
ECG has urged consumers to cooperate with its field teams during the ‘No Free Consumption’ operation, emphasizing the importance of settling outstanding bills promptly.