How to get an ECG meter for your home

01Sep

Here in Ghana, getting a legal ECG metre for your home, whether prepaid or postpaid, has become a basic necessity in every household. In 2021, the annual electricity average growth rate consumption was estimated to be around 14.3%. Over time, Ghana’s system for providing electricity is gradually changing from postpaid to prepaid.

To get an ECG meter for your home, whether it’s a prepaid meter or a postpaid meter, you will need to follow a few steps and procedures. These procedures may vary depending on your location and the nearest ECG office close by. Here’s a general overview of the process to follow to get an ECG meter whether for your home or office:

Gather all necessary and Required Documents

Before you begin the process of getting an ECG meter for your home whether a new meter or changing of meter from postpaid to prepaid, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready. These documents typically include:

Proof of Ownership or Tenancy: These are documents that prove your ownership or tenancy of the premises where you want the ECG meter installed. This could be a property deed, rental agreement, or any other legally recognized document.

Valid ID: A valid government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license, Ghana Card, Voter’s ID or passport.

Location Details: You may ask to provide accurate details about the location where the meter will be installed, thus the physical address and any close landmarks that can help identify the place. You can also get your Ghana Post GPS Location for more accuracy.

Visit the Nearest ECG Office

Once you have all the necessary documents in order, visit the nearest Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) office close by. This is where the application process starts. It’s recommended to visit the nearest ECG office that serves your specific area to avoid any confusion or delays. ECG also has various jujurisdictions,o you wouldn’t expect the Tema office to be serving customers in North Legon.

Fill Out the Application Form

Once you have all the required documents, you will be required to fill out a form for your meter. This form can be filled out by visiting the nearest ECG office or can be done online by visiting the ECG website. The form contains information such as personal information, details about your residence, and the type of meter you require (prepaid or postpaid). Ensure to provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays in the application process.

Choose the Type of Meter

Once the forms have been filled out correctly with all the necessary details, ECG then offers different types of ECG meters to suit varying consumption needs. There are prepaid and postpaid meters available. Prepaid meters require you to purchase credit in advance, while postpaid meters involve receiving a monthly bill based on your consumption. Remember to choose the meter type that aligns with your preferences and budget.

Prices of ECG Meters

Here are approved pricing details for getting ECG meter in Ghana.

Straight Service : Single Phase No Pole Extension – Ghc1020
Straight Service :Three Phase No Pole Extension – Ghc1920
Additional Load: Upgrade to Three-Phase – Ghc1900
Seperate Meter: Single Phase – Ghc700
Seperate Meter: Three-Phase – Ghc1300

Site Inspection and Verification

After submitting your application, ECG officials will schedule a site inspection. During this inspection, an officer from the ECG office will visit your property to assess the feasibility of installing a meter. This will help them verify the accuracy of the information you provided in the application and ensure that the property meets the necessary requirements for an electricity connection.

Payment and Installation

Once your application is approved and verified, you will be notified of the payment details. This will include any installation fees, any associated fees, and the initial credit (for prepaid meters) you need to purchase. The price for a prepaid meter may be between GHS 700 and GHS1500. Make the necessary payments as instructed.

Meter Activation

After payment is confirmed, ECG will then schedule a meter installation date. On the appointed day, ECG technicians will visit your premises to install the meter and ensure that it is functioning correctly. For prepaid meters, you will need to activate your meter after it is installed. This usually involves entering a provided token code into the meter to initialiSe the credit. The ECG representative or technician will guide you through this process. I once had an experience trying to activate my meter when there was a power cut. Needless to say I was not able to activate the meter. Make sure you have power on that day or else it will have to be postponed.

In case you face any issues with your ECG meter or experience electricity-related problems, contact the ECG customer service helpline. They will guide you through the troubleshooting process and provide assistance.

Are you trying to get an ECG meter for your home or have gotten an ECG meter for your home recently? Share your experiences with us in the comment section and remember to share this with a friend going through this process.