John Jinapor, the Minister-designate for Energy, has outlined plans to address the challenges associated with electricity metering in Ghana.
During his vetting on January 13, he disclosed that out of the 5.2 million electricity meters across the country, approximately 4.8 million are active. However, nearly 3 million of the active meters are not functioning properly, creating significant gaps in electricity management and billing accuracy.
To resolve this issue, Mr. Jinapor revealed that a minimum of 2.9 million meters will need to be replaced to improve efficiency and ensure accurate electricity consumption measurement. He emphasized the need for modernizing the system with smart meters capable of meeting market demands.
The proposed initiative includes exploring a prepaid smart meter distribution model where consumers can purchase the meters directly. Once acquired, the meters can be activated via mobile money transactions, reducing the logistical and financial burdens often associated with meter acquisition. The plan also involves licensing certified professionals to handle the installation process, ensuring quality and efficiency.
He expressed confidence that this approach, driven by economies of scale, would lower the overall cost of electricity meters, making them more accessible to the public.