The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has issued a public alert concerning the circulation and sale of counterfeit electricity meters within its operational areas.
This warning follows the confiscation of over 200 substandard meters by the Ghana Police Service during a routine inspection on the Kenyase-Atronie road in the Sunyani Metropolis.
The meters, believed to have been smuggled from neighbouring countries, including Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, were seized at a checkpoint.
NEDCo has cautioned the public against purchasing these unverified meters, which pose significant safety risks such as potential fire outbreaks and damage to transformers, leading to prolonged power outages.
In a statement signed by the Corporate Communications Manager of NEDCo, Mr. Maxwell K. Kotoka, emphasised that the meters have not been tested or calibrated to meet the standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority.
NEDCo has therefore reminded the public that it is illegal to import meters without proper authorisation and to acquire meters from unauthorised sources.
The company, according to the statement, pledged to take legal action against those involved in the distribution and sale of these fake meters and announced that a special operation will soon be launched to detect and arrest offenders.
“Customers currently in possession of these meters are advised to return them to the nearest NEDCo office to avoid legal consequences.
Accordingly, NEDCo will take all necessary legal actions against individuals and/or organisations 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,” portions of the statement said.