The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), the sole power supplier for the five regions of northern Ghana, has voiced serious concerns about widespread illegal power usage in the larger Tamale area.
After completing phase five of their revenue mobilisation and loss reduction exercise, which began on June 24, 2024, the Northern Area Manager Elvis Demuyakor revealed that some customers delayed bill payments for over two years, leading to a loss of over 50% for the company.
These ongoing losses, along with other factors, threaten the company’s sustainability in the coming years.
While businesses generally look forward to annual profits, NEDCo’s situation in Tamale is dire, with illegal electricity consumption significantly undermining their operations.
Covering approximately 64% of Ghana’s geographical area and being the sole electricity distributor for the Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, Northern, North East, and Oti regions, NEDCo struggles to break even due to widespread illegal activities.
Elvis Demuyakor warned that the company might collapse in the future if these illegal activities persist.
He attributed low voltage complaints in some areas to the company’s inability to fund necessary projects for service improvement.
During the month-long phase five of NEDCo’s revenue mobilisation and loss reduction exercise, 1,226 illegal connections were recorded, with about 236 cases currently in court. The area manager assured that all involved will face legal consequences.
The company hopes to recover approximately GHC4.2 million from those responsible.
Mr. Demuyakor highlighted interference from politicians, chiefs, and other opinion leaders in their efforts to recover lost revenue.
He emphasised that he has no authority to exempt customers involved in power theft, as he operates under strict guidelines.
In addition to significant revenue loss from power theft, Mr Demuyakor pointed out that meter damage is another major concern.
He showed the media damaged meters resulting from bypasses and the actions of unqualified electricians who deceive customers into illegal power consumption.
NEDCo’s maintenance mechanic, Mr. K. B. Solomon, explained the meter damages to Channel One News.
Mr Demuyakor urged residents to live within their means and refrain from power theft to prevent NEDCo from collapsing.
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