The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has apologised for any inconvenience caused by its ongoing exercise of replacing expired meters with smart meters.

The company acknowledged some challenges in the process but appealed to Ghanaians for patience as it works to enhance efficiency in the power distribution sector.

The apology was issued by Miss Mary Opong Eshun, the Public Relations Officer for Accra East ECG, during an interview on the Ghana Yensom morning show, co-hosted by Otafrigya Kayire Kwesi Apea-Apreku and Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman, on Accra 100.5 FM, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

According to Ms Eshun, the exercise aims to phase out expired meters that have exceeded their ten-year lifespan and are no longer efficient.

"Some of these expired meters have become inefficient over the years, necessitating their replacement," she explained.

She assured customers that the introduction of smart metres is not intended to exploit them but to ensure better management of electricity distribution.

She explained that when ECG officers visit homes to replace the old meters with smart meters, the details are recorded.

Any existing credit is transferred to the new meter, and any outstanding debt is also carried over.

Ms Eshun added that the smart meters can be operated remotely through the ECG's app, which is expected to reduce the long queues often experienced at vending points.

She also reminded customers to check the earthing and wiring systems of their properties if they notice their credits running out quickly on the smart meters.

"Some properties have outdated wiring systems or damaged earthing, which can lead to faster credit consumption," she noted.

Ms Eshun called on customers to report any challenges they encountered as a result of the exercise for prompt resolution.