The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has confirmed it is reprogramming and redeploying 44,928 Huawei prepaid meters. These meters, replaced in 2024, were originally installed in the Accra West region between 2022 and 2024 at a reported cost of GHS 42.7 million.
The replacement became necessary because the Huawei meters were not compatible with ECG’s new Meter Management System (MMS). This issue emerged during a session of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee on Friday, October 16. The committee questioned the rapid replacement of meters installed just two years prior, especially after older build-operate-transfer (BOT) meters had longer lifespans.
This situation highlights ongoing challenges within Ghana’s energy sector, particularly concerning infrastructure upgrades and technology integration. The country has faced persistent issues with power supply reliability and revenue collection, making efficient meter management crucial. Previous efforts to modernize the grid have often encountered technical hurdles and public scrutiny over costs and effectiveness. The transition to new systems, while necessary, frequently involves significant expenditure and careful planning to avoid disruptions and financial losses.
Ebenezer Baiden, ECG’s Deputy Managing Director for Commercial Services, attributed the incompatibility to technological changes. He explained that the company has now gathered the meters, reprogrammed them, and is piloting their use as postpaid meters in certain communities. Ing. Kwame Kpekpena, ECG’s Managing Director, further clarified that the Meter Management System was procured for ECG by the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA). MiDA was implementing the project on ECG’s behalf. Mr. Kpekpena stated that the MMS was commissioned in May 2022, after which new meters could be installed on the system. He maintained that the repurposing of the meters prevents any financial loss to the state.
The implications of this redeployment are significant for ECG’s operational efficiency and public trust. Successfully repurposing these meters could mitigate the financial impact of the initial incompatibility. However, the Public Accounts Committee has requested documentary evidence to verify ECG’s claims. This includes approved technical specifications, specific locations where the meters have been redeployed, and their serial numbers. This oversight is critical to ensure accountability and transparency in public expenditure. The outcome of this verification will influence public perception of ECG’s management practices and its ability to deliver cost-effective services. It also sets a precedent for how future technology transitions in state-owned enterprises are handled, emphasizing the need for thorough due diligence before large-scale procurements. The company’s ability to provide this information promptly will be key to addressing concerns about financial prudence and effective resource management. This incident underscores the importance of robust procurement processes and forward-looking technological planning in major public utility projects. It also highlights the role of parliamentary oversight in safeguarding public funds and ensuring efficient service delivery to Ghanaian citizens and businesses.