Obsolete meters, operational inefficiencies hurting ECG revenue – Former MD

Former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has attributed the company's revenue challenges to obsolete electricity meters and persistent operational inefficiencies, arguing that these issues should be addressed before imposing higher tariffs on consumers.

His comments come in the wake of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission's (PURC) announcement of an upward adjustment in electricity and water tariffs on June 22, 2026. The new rates, which take effect on July 1, 2026, increase electricity tariffs by 3.49 per cent and water tariffs by 0.85 per cent.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Dubik Mahama said ECG is losing significant revenue because many of its electricity meters are unable to apply the updated tariff rates.

"I wish I could have sent ECG revenue figures for everybody to see, from when I took over to where I left. I can bet you that there are meters in the system that are not reading the new tariffs because they are obsolete," he said.

According to the former ECG boss, the company should focus on fixing operational loopholes and improving revenue collection instead of relying on tariff increases to strengthen its finances.

Minority questions basis for PURC's 3.49% electricity tariff increase

"We need to plug the operational loopholes. By the time I was leaving, ECG was generating almost GH¢1.8 billion in revenue. If they are now doing GH¢2 billion or GH¢2.1 billion, it is sad because when I took over, the company was generating only about GH¢400 million to GH¢500 million a month," he stated.

He argued that the relatively modest growth in revenue indicates that the company's operational performance has stagnated despite previous improvements.

"That means something has fundamentally stalled, and we can't keep overburdening customers while talking about plans to privatise the company. We should allow ECG to function efficiently instead of thinking tariff increments are the best solution. I totally disagree," Dubik Mahama added.

He maintained that addressing inefficiencies, modernising obsolete infrastructure, and improving revenue mobilisation would place ECG on a stronger financial footing without placing additional pressure on electricity consumers.