{
  "id": 17213984,
  "title": "ECG launches franchising initiative to improve revenue collection",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/ecg-launches-franchising-initiative-to-improve-revenue-collection",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-30T09:57:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/general/ecg-revenue-collection/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has rolled out a nationwide franchising initiative to boost revenue collection and enhance customer service. This initiative decentralizes field operations by deploying Franchise Officers in all district areas to tackle electricity theft, billing errors, and non-payment directly. At the launch, ECG's Managing Director, Ing. Julius Kwame Kpekpena, highlighted the initiative's focus on addressing consumer demands for transparency. The Franchise Officers, equipped with handheld smart devices, print spot bills, verify prepaid meter integrity, and detect unauthorized grid bypasses. They are empowered to disconnect power after 14 days of unpaid bills, in line with Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) regulations. To ensure security, the officers cannot accept cash or mobile money directly; customers must make payments through the official ECG PowerApp or via the *226# USSD short code. Management stresses the zero-cash policy for all field activities. The franchising system aims to convert former manual meter readers into frontline accountability officers, ensuring timely and efficient customer support.",
  "summary": "By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH As part of efforts to reduce commercial losses and improve revenue mobilisation, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has expanded its Spot Billing and Franchising Project nationwide. The initiative decentralises field operations by deploying localized Franchise Officers across all district operational areas to address electricity theft, billing discrepancies, and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}