How To Apply For An Electronic Meter In Ghana
What is an electronic meter in Ghana? In Ghana, an electronic meter, also known as a smart meter or a prepaid meter, is a modern device used to measure electricity consumption. It is a digital alternative to the older, traditional analogue meters (also called postpaid meters) that required manual meter readings by utility company staff. These electronic meters are part of the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company’s (NEDCo) efforts to modernise the country’s electricity system. The shift to electronic meters is aimed at improving efficiency, reducing losses, and empowering consumers.
What requirements are needed for an Electronic Meter in Ghana?
Requirements for All Applicants
Valid Identification:
You must provide a copy of a valid national ID (Ghana Card, Passport, Voter’s ID, or Driver’s License).
Site Plan:
An original and photocopy of the site plan for the premises.
Proof of Business:
For non-residential customers, proof of business registration is required.
Application Form:
You will need to complete the official “New Service Connection” or “Separate Meter” application form. The ECG has transitioned to a fully paperless process, so these applications must now be done through the ECG Power App.
For a New Service Connection
This is for a property that has never been connected to the national grid.
Licensed Electrician:
Your property must be wired by a licensed electrician certified by the Energy Commission. The electrician will provide an Installation Completion Certificate which is a mandatory document.
Application:
Submit a “New Service Connection” request through the ECG PowerApp. You will need to upload scanned copies of your ID, site plan, and the electrician’s certificate.
Inspection and Quotation:
An ECG or NEDCo technical team will visit the site to survey the premises. Based on the survey, they will prepare a quotation or estimate for the cost of the electricity supply and installation.
Payment and Installation:
After you make the full payment of the quotation, the utility company will proceed with the installation of the service line and the electronic meter
For sperate meter
This applies to a person living in a multi-family dwelling who wants a separate meter from the one already serving the property (often called the “parent meter”).
Electrical Separation:
You must first ensure that your electrical installations are completely separate from the other meters in the building. This must be done by a licensed electrician.
No Outstanding Debt:
All bills on the existing “parent meter” must be fully paid, and you will need to provide a copy of the receipt as proof.
Application:
Submit a “Separate Meter” application through the ECG PowerApp.
Consumption History:
For ECG, a prospective separate meter customer’s monthly consumption on the parent meter must not be less than 300kWh for three consecutive months.
How To Apply For An Electronic Meter In Ghana?
General Steps for All Applicants
Download the ECG Power App:
This is the first and most crucial step. Download the official app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Complete the Application:
Open the app and navigate to the “Service Request” section. You will find options for a “New Service Connection,” “Separate Meter,” or “Additional Load.” Choose the one that applies to you and fill in the required details.
Upload Required Documents:
The app will prompt you to upload digital copies of all necessary documents.
For a New Service Connection
This process is for a property that is being connected to the national grid for the first time.
Licensed Electrician:
Your property must be wired by a licensed electrician. This is a legal requirement. The electrician will provide you with an Installation Completion Certificate, which proves the wiring has been done correctly and safely.
Documents to Upload:
A copy of your valid ID (Ghana Card, Passport, Voter’s ID, or Driver’s License).
The Installation Completion Certificate from your licensed electrician.
An original and photocopy of the site plan for your premises.
For non-residential or business premises, you will also need to provide proof of business registration.
Site Inspection and Quotation:
After submitting your application via the app, an ECG technical team will conduct a site inspection to verify the information and assess the work needed. Based on this, they will provide a quotation for the cost of the service connection and the meter.
Payment and Installation:
Once you make the full payment, ECG will proceed with the installation of the service line and the electronic meter.
What are the fees scheduled for applicants of the electronic meter of Ghana?
Here are some of the PURC-approved charges (as of the last publicly available tariff review:
Standard Straight Service (1-Phase):
Approximately GH₵1,353.60
Standard Straight Service (3-Phase):
Approximately GH₵2,520.72
Straight Service with Pole (1-Phase):
Approximately GH₵2,120.00
Straight Service with Pole (3-Phase):
Approximately GH₵3,020.00
Separate Meter Fees
This is for an applicant in a multi-family dwelling who wants a separate meter from the one serving the property.
Separate Meter (1-Phase):
Approximately GH₵969.60
Separate Meter (3-Phase):
Approximately GH₵1,776.00
Appliances and their energy consumption in Ghana.
Lighting
LED Bulb (10W – 15W) → ~0.01–0.015 kWh/hour
CFL Bulb (15W – 25W) → ~0.015–0.025 kWh/hour
Incandescent Bulb (60W – 100W) → ~0.06–0.1 kWh/hour
Tip: Switching to LED saves up to 80% energy.
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV (32” – 55”) → 70–150W → 0.07–0.15 kWh/hour
Decoder (DSTV/GoTV/etc.) → 20–30W → 0.02–0.03 kWh/hour
Home Theatre / Sound System → 50–200W → 0.05–0.2 kWh/hour
Laptop → 40–80W → 0.04–0.08 kWh/hour
Desktop Computer + Monitor → 150–300W → 0.15–0.3 kWh/hour
Kitchen Appliances
Rice Cooker → 700–1000W → 0.7–1.0 kWh/hour
Electric Kettle → 1500–2000W → 1.5–2.0 kWh/hour (but used for short times, e.g., 5–10 mins)
Microwave Oven → 800–1500W → 0.8–1.5 kWh/hour
Blender → 300–500W → 0.3–0.5 kWh/hour
Refrigerator (Small) → 100–300W → ~1–2 kWh/day (cycles on/off)
Refrigerator (Large / Deep Freezer) → 300–600W → ~2–4 kWh/day
Cooling & Heating
Ceiling Fan → 50–80W → 0.05–0.08 kWh/hour
Standing Fan → 60–120W → 0.06–0.12 kWh/hour
Air Conditioner (1HP / 0.75kW) → ~0.75–1.2 kWh/hour
Air Conditioner (2HP / 1.5kW) → ~1.5–2.5 kWh/hour
Laundry
Washing Machine → 500–2000W → 0.5–2.0 kWh/cycle
Electric Iron → 1000–2000W → 1.0–2.0 kWh/hour
Clothes Dryer → 1500–3000W → 1.5–3.0 kWh/hour
Water & Others
Water Pump (for polytank) → 500–1500W → 0.5–1.5 kWh/hour
Electric Shower/Heater → 3000–5000W → 3–5 kWh/hour
Mobile Phone Charger → 5–10W → 0.005–0.01 kWh/hour (negligible compared to others).
Thank you for visiting GHResults.com — we wish you all the best on your journey ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!