Examining the Smart-Prepaid Metering Systems in Ghana: Implications for Policy Reform

Abstract

This study examined Smart-Prepaid Metering System deployed by ECG and NEDCo from the technical point of view. The analysis revealed that smart meters are far advantageous compared to traditional postpaid meters that are error prone- reading errors, generate a lot of system losses, and can be bypassed by power theft. The high losses that utility companies make because of non- payment of bills could be reduced to the barest minimum. The resistance to smart-prepaid meter adoption is due to the high bills consumers are experiencing. The rising bills were caused by the use of energy consuming appliances like electric stove, dryers, washers coupled with rise in tariff. The study recommends mass education using various fora like community engagement and electronic media to teach consumers the added values of the new meters and how to use them efficiently. Also, these meters should installed at all government institutions and private industries that have been persistently defaulting in bill payment.