The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has rolled out sweeping operational changes that give franchise officers—formerly known as meter readers—the authority to disconnect electricity supply to customers who fail to settle their bills.

Previously, these officers were limited to checking meters, verifying readings and calculating electricity consumption during routine visits to homes and communities.

Under the new arrangement, their role has been expanded to include enforcing payment compliance.

Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of ECG in the Ashanti West Region, Benjamin Obeng Antwi, said franchise officers now have the mandate to disconnect power when they encounter customers with outstanding bills.

“Now the franchise officers have been empowered to disconnect your meter. If they come to your premises and you owe, they will show you your bill and ask you to go and pay,” he explained.

As part of the reforms, ECG is also deepening its shift toward a fully cashless payment system.

Mr Antwi cautioned customers not to hand over cash to franchise officers under any circumstances, stressing that all payments must be made directly by customers through approved digital channels.

“They don’t accept cash. Payments are done only through the cashless system—either by dialing *226# or using the ECG Power App,” he said.

To prevent impersonation and protect customers, ECG has issued all franchise officers with official identification cards and introductory letters to confirm their legitimacy and authority.

In addition, prepaid meter oversight has now been added to the officers’ responsibilities. This means franchise officers will monitor and manage both postpaid and prepaid meters during their routine field operations.

“We have even added prepaid monitoring to their duties. They can come to your premises and check your prepaid meter as well,” Mr Antwi noted.

He appealed to the public to cooperate fully with franchise officers during their visits, urging customers to stay up to date with payments to avoid inconvenience and unnecessary disconnections.