The Energy Commission (EC) has partnered with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ashanti West Region, to intensify public education on the Electrical Wiring Regulation, 2011 (L.I. 2008), urging customers to engage only certified professionals before applying for electricity meters.The engagement-part of the Commission's regional sensitisation tour-sought to reinforce the importance of safe electrical practices and outline efforts to digitise access to certified wiring professionals and inspectors.Passed into law on February 24, 2012, L.I. 2008 was a direct response to rising incidents of electrical fires nationwide.
Its key provisions require that only licensed electricians undertake wiring installations, using standard materials to safeguard lives, livestock and property.Welcoming the Commission's team, Mr Emmanuel Osei Amoako, Acting General Manager of ECG Ashanti West, expressed appreciation for the collaboration."The Energy Commission regulates ECG's technical operations, including power quality and service connections.
This engagement allows us to jointly address the real challenges we face under L.I. 2008," he said.One such challenge, according to ECG, involves confusion and unauthorised fees levied during service connections-a situation exacerbated by uncertified electricians and inspectors.Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Mr Stephen N-ebe Yomoh, Assistant Manager at the Electrical Wiring Section, clarified the law's operational scope."There are two distinct categories-compliant professionals licensed by the Commission, and non-compliant actors who risk undermining public safety."He emphasised that prospective customers must first secure the services of Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals (CEWPs) to wire their premises before applying for a meter.
The application must be accompanied by stamped certification forms from both the electrician and inspector. "Without these forms, ECG cannot process your meter request," he noted.Mr Yomoh stressed that customers were only responsible for payments to certified electricians, not inspectors. "It is the duty of the CEWP to settle the inspector's fee, not the customer," he said, expressing concern over recurring cases where non-compliant individuals exploit users by demanding illegal fees.Reinforcing the message, Mr Jonathan Asante, ECG's Regional Commercial Manager, reminded the public that ECG does not charge for wiring services during connections. "Electricians working on installations are not ECG staff.
