(Ecofin Agency) - Bad news for power thieves. The Electricity Company of Ghana is making moves to acquire AI tools that will be used to fight power theft. This was announced February 18 by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia at the launch of a mobile application for ECG customers.

The official said the measure will help overcome major challenges including the difficulties in collecting payment for power supply that leads to power theft.

“The issue of solving the collection problem at ECG is a major part of solving the energy issue in Ghana. I have been talking to the Board Chairman and the MD and they are thinking about applying technology, artificial intelligence and remote sensors in the collection process. I know that they are piloting the system now and by the grace of God if all goes well, we will have implemented, a new system starting this year, whereby nobody will be able to steal electricity in Ghana again,” Dr. Bawumia said.

The application unveiled by ECG, called “ECG Power,” was designed by the power utility’s technical staff. According to the President of the Republic, it will enable more than half of the company's 3.8 million customers to make payments for electricity and telephone services. The company estimates that this figure is expected to increase by the end of the year when the old meters will be replaced by smart meters.