Fake electricity meters hit Market, NEDCo cautions customers

The Management of Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), has informed the general public and its cherished customers of the distribution and sale of fake/sub-standard electricity meters across its operational Areas by some unscrupulous people.

A statement signed by Maxwell K. Kotoka, the Manager of Corporate Communications, NEDCo, said NEDCo has confiscation over 200 pieces of such sub-standard meters on the Kenyase-Atronie road in the Sunyani Metropolis during a snap inspection by the Ghana Police Service at a checkpoint.

According to him, investigations revealed that the meters were coming from neighbouring countries (i.e. Togo and La Cote d’Ivoire).

“The general public is hereby advised to desist from buying these fake meters and to also report any person who attempts to sell these meters and any other meter to the nearest police station or NEDCo office. We assure you of utmost confidentiality on this.”

He noted that the meters are not tested and calibrated by NEDCo to meet the requirements set by regulatory bodies such as the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority and therefore pose dangers such as fire outbreaks as well as overloading of and damage to transformers, resulting in prolonged outages and increased distribution losses to NEDCo; the negative consequences touch both the consumer and NEDCo.

“We wish to remind the general public that it is illegal for individuals and/or organizations to import meters into the country without necessary approvals from Energy Commission and other regulatory bodies. It is also illegal for potential or existing electricity consumers to acquire meters from sources other than licensed distribution companies (i.e. NEDCo, ECG, etc).”

Mr. Kotoka assured that NEDCo will take all necessary legal actions against individuals and/or organizations engaged in the distribution (sale, purchase and transportation inclusive) of these fake meters.

“A special surprise operation will be rolled out soon to detect and arrest perpetrators and beneficiaries of the distribution of these fake meters. All those who have acquired these meters are advised to take them to the nearest NEDCo office to avoid arrests and prosecution. There may be no further notice on this exercise.”

He advised their cherished customers to contact NEDCo directly for genuine meters and avoid purchasing fake meters or dealing with unauthorised third parties when they need meters.

“We would continue to endeavour to meet these needs as we count on the public to also play their part in helping us stem such anti-social practices.”

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