The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has warned the public against the purchase of illegal fake meters.
This stern warning follows the confiscation of over 200 sub-standard meters by the Ghana Police Service during a routine inspection on the Kenyase-Atronie road in the Sunyani Metropolis.
The meters, believed to have been smuggled from neighbouring countries, including Togo and Côte d’Ivoire, were seized at a checkpoint.
NEDCo says these unverified meters pose significant safety risks such as potential fire outbreaks and damage to transformers, leading to prolonged power outages.
The company emphasized that the meters have not been tested or calibrated to meet the standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority.
In a statement signed by the corporate communications manager, Maxwell K. Kotoka, NEDCo reminded the public that it is illegal to import meters without proper authorization and to acquire meters from unauthorized sources.
Meanwhile, the company has pledged to take legal action against those involved in the distribution and sale of these fake meters and announced that a special operation will soon be launched to detect and arrest offenders. Customers currently in possession of these meters are advised to return them to the nearest NEDCo office to avoid legal consequences.
“Accordingly, NEDCo will take all necessary legal actions against individuals and/or organizations engaged in the distribution (sale, purchase and transportation inclusive) of these fake meters. A special surprise operation will be rolled out soon to detect and arrest perpetrators and beneficiaries of the distribution of these fake meters.
“All those who have acquired these meters are advised to take them to the nearest NEDCo office to avoid arrests and prosecution. There may be no further notice on this exercise,” the statement noted.
The company expressed worry over the distribution of fake meters in their operational areas and hinted at an exercise to clamp down on crime.