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A study conducted by ACEP shows losses to illegal connections
- GH¢1.3 billion lost annually to illegal connections
- ACEP alleges power sector workers involved in the business of illegal connections
A study conducted by the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has shown that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) losses a total of GH¢1.3 billion annually due to illegal connections. The study also shows that industry professionals, politicians have taken advantage of the poor system for personal gains.
The Policy Lead, Petroleum and Conventional Energy, Kodzo Yaotse, alleged some agents of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) have facilitated and conspired with consumers to engage in illegal connections and meter tampering. “Agents of the power distributors, including subcontractors and service providers who distribute meters among others, actively facilitate and advise consumers on illegal connections and meter tampering for their private gains” he said.
“It was also revealed that politicians secured SHEP meters from the Ministry of Energy (MoE) to share and connect households to the grid for electoral gains without the active involvement of power distributors” he added.
The ACEP has however made suggestions on how these challenges in the sector can be tackled. The ACEP suggested the implementation of a whistleblower policy to reduce the occurrence of illegal connections amongst other suggestions.