The Electricity Company of Ghana has expressed serious concern over the growing incidence of self-reconnection of electricity supply by some defaulting customers in the Ashanti Region.
The Regional General Manager of ECG Ashanti South, Ing. Jonathan Kofi Adjabeng, described the practice as unlawful and injurious to both the company’s operations and public safety.
Speaking in an interview with our news team in Kumasi on February 20, he emphasized that self-reconnection after disconnection for non-payment or other regulatory breaches constitutes a criminal offence under Ghana’s consumer services regulations, PURC L.I 2413, 2020.
“Self-reconnection is illegal and amounts to theft of electricity,” he stated. “Customers who take it upon themselves to reconnect their supply after disconnection are committing a criminal offence, and when caught, they will not be spared.”
He explained that aside from revenue losses, illegal reconnections pose serious technical and safety risks, including fire outbreaks, electrocution and damage to transformers and other network installations.
“This practice does not only undermine the financial stability of the company, it also endangers lives and property. Improper and unauthorised reconnections can cause faults on the network and disrupt supply to entire communities,” he stressed.
Ing. Adjabeng disclosed that the ECG Ashanti South Region would soon embark on a special enforcement exercise to clamp down on the menace.
“Our teams will intensify inspections and monitoring activities across the region,” he said. “We are determined to bring an end to this growing practice, and those found culpable will face the full rigours of the law.”
He further underscored the importance of prompt bill payment, noting that revenue generated from customers remains the backbone of ECG’s operations.
“I entreat our customers to pay their bills promptly,” he appealed. “It is the main source of funds we use to pay power producers and suppliers of materials needed to maintain and improve reliable service delivery in the region.”
The Regional General Manager advised customers whose supply had been disconnected to regularise their status by settling outstanding bills and applying for lawful reconnection through the appropriate ECG offices.
“Our offices are open to support customers, and we encourage anyone facing genuine financial challenges to engage us for possible payment arrangements,” he added.
Ing. Adjabeng reaffirmed ECG Ashanti South Region’s commitment to ensuring safe, reliable and efficient electricity supply, and urged the public to cooperate with the company in protecting the integrity of the power distribution network.
By Benjamin Aidoo
