The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has cautioned the general public and its customers against the purchase of fake and substandard energy meters across its operational areas. The caution comes on the back of the confiscation of over two hundred (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 check point.
Investigations have revealed that these meters were allegedly coming into the country from Togo and La Cote d’Ivoire.
Therefore, NEDCo in a statement signed by the Manager of Corporate Communications, Maxwell Kotoka, has advised customers to desist from buying these fake meters. He further admonished the public to report any person who attempts to sell these meters and any other meter to the nearest police station or NEDCo office.
Mr. Kotoka said these 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.
He added the devices pose risk and dangers such as fire outbreaks and overloading of and damage of transformers which will result in prolonged power outages and increased distribution losses to the company.
“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).”
Accordingly, the Corporate Communications Manager said 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.
He emphasized that 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 stated.
