The Electricity Company of Ghana [ECG] is making strides with its digital payment options available to power consumers.
These options are leveraging the already existing platforms deployed by the country’s financial sector largely for mobile money and web payment systems.
There are already options for customers to pay for power via USSD codes within a system that banks, telecommunication companies utilize under The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPSS).
Customers using such a platform have already had their identities verified by their telcos using the Ghana Card, a national identification document.
Power consumers can pay for their bills by drawing money from their mobile money wallets. For an even improved digital payment options, mobile Apps.
With its ECG’s Power App which is available for download via Google Play store and Apple store, customers are able to pay for the power they consume.
The App is built to leverage on the technology driving the payment module of the Mobile money payment infrastructure being operated by banks, telecom companies regulated by the central bank.
In 2020, the company introduced the mobile application to give relief to customers. Monthly App usage is at 94%, generating an average of GHS 745 million in monthly revenue.
The ECG PowerApp offers a range of user-friendly features that cater for the diverse needs of ECG customers. Among its notable features are:
“For me, the ECG Power App has been a lifesaver. There have been nights when my lights went off, and instead of panicking, I just tapped my phone, bought power through my MoMo wallet, and within seconds, my lights were back on. It’s that simple,” these are the words of Isabella Otoo who uses the ECG Power App to purchase electricity.
Gone are the days of rushing to buy electricity in person. The ECG Power App puts control right into the hands of users. For her, “I can buy power anytime, anywhere. Whether I’m at work, on the road, or even lying in bed, I don’t have to worry about my electricity running out unexpectedly.”
The Impact of the Power App
The App users have increased from 250,000 in May 2022 to 3,045,000 as of the end of October 2023.
In November 2023, the government said ECG increased its monthly collections from GHC 480 million to GHC 1.1 billion due to the introduction of ECG PowerApp.
Head of External Communication Officer of ECG, Mr Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, told this newspaper that the innovative digital payment platform has revolutionised the way Ghanaians manage their electricity accounts, enabling cashless transactions, and empowering customers to take control of their energy consumption.
The communication officer stated that the PowerApp has not only created convenience for ECG customers, it has also increased annual revenue growth for the company.
But there are challenges. Isabella recalls one instance where a purchase didn’t reflect immediately. “I had just bought power, the amount was debited from my MoMo wallet, but I didn’t receive my token or see my lights come on as usual. At first, I was worried, but then I remembered customer service is always there to help.”
She revealed that instead of panicking, they picked up the phone and called the ECG service center. “Within a few minutes, the issue was resolved. The agent confirmed my transaction, sent my token, and I keyed it in manually. Just like that, my power was back! The speed and efficiency of the support team really impressed me,” she said.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), a government-owned entity managed by the Ministry of Energy, continues to make significant strides in delivering efficient electricity services to southern Ghana.
These payment options have been key to ensuring Ghanaians realize the benefits of digital public infrastructure but complaints of possible fraud require solutions.
Tech expert Mr. Yaw Antwi Owusu said a major concern has been how to make such digital payment platforms more secure for such an essential utility for Ghanaians.
“One of the key measures implemented is two-factor authentication. Additionally, the app has fraud monitoring systems that use AI and machine learning techniques to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.”
Mr. Owusu further elaborated on how these technologies have helped ECG secure financial transactions. “There are huge sums of money being processed, and with AI-driven fraud detection, ECG can identify and cut off suspicious transactions before they cause any damage.”
“This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.”
