Energy Minister-designate John Abdulai Jinapor has revealed that nearly three million smart prepaid meters across Ghana are malfunctioning, posing significant challenges for electricity consumers.

During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 13, 2025, Jinapor disclosed that approximately 2.9 million meters urgently need replacement to meet current demand. He also highlighted the widespread frustration among consumers, citing delays and the difficulty in acquiring functional meters.

Jinapor expressed concerns about the limited availability of meters, stressing the need for a more structured supply system to ensure consumers can access reliable devices. He pledged to address the issue if confirmed as Energy Minister.

“The ideal solution is to ensure that we have prepaid smart meters that meet all necessary specifications,” Jinapor said. “According to discussions with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), they have about 5.2 million meters in total, of which 4.8 million are operational. However, nearly 3 million meters are malfunctioning and require replacement.”

To resolve the situation, Jinapor suggested a potential shift in the market approach, including exploring the option of allowing consumers to purchase meters directly. “People want meters, but they cannot get them. We are considering innovative ways to improve access,” he added.

Source:TheDotNews