How to Get a Power Supply Connection in Ghana

Understanding How to Get Electricity Supply in Ghana

The Energy Commission and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)/Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) require you to follow several steps to obtain a power supply in Ghana, as outlined in the Electrical Wiring Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2008). To get a power supply, you will need to submit a formal application to the ECG or NEDCo, depending on your region. You must take specific steps to ensure that your connection is safe, legal, and reliable.

Who Provides Electricity Supply

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) serves most parts of southern Ghana. The  Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) also serves northern Ghana. To get a connection, apply to the company that covers your area.

Step-by-Step Application Process

2. Engage a Certified Electrician

To construct the internal wiring of your premises, you’ll need to get a Certified Electrical Wiring Professional (CEWP). Find certified professionals on the Energy Commission website. you can as well them through the ‘Certified Electrician’ mobile app. Note that only CEWPs are authorized to handle wiring, inspections, and certification.

3. Inspection and Approval of Wiring

After completing the wiring, the CEWP arranges for a Certified Electrical Wiring Inspector (CEWI). The CEWI will then inspect and approve the work, ensuring compliance with safety and technical standards. If the wiring meets the requirements, the CEWP issues a signed Installation Completion Certificate (ICC) to the facility owner.

4. Submission of Documents to the Utility for electricity supply connection in Ghana 

The facility owner submits the Installation Completion Certificate (ICC) and other relevant documents to the electricity distribution utility. 

Required documents for acquiring electricity supply connection in Ghana 

• You usually need to provide proof of identity (Ghana Card, passport, or driver’s licence).

• You will need to provide proof of property ownership or tenancy, such as a land title, allocation paper, or tenancy agreement

• The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) or Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) may ask you to provide a building permit or development approval.

5. Utility Inspection and Verification

The distribution utility inspects the Installation Completion Certificate (ICC) and supporting documents. If everything is in order, the utility begins the process for supplying power.

Note that the utility company classifies electricity supply requests involving more than 2 poles as development projects and that require engineers to investigate and propose a cost

6. Pay connection fees

After approval, you will be asked to pay official fees.

7. Meter installation and supply connection

Once you have made payment, ECG or NEDCo will installs your meter and connects you to the supply.

Connection Costs for electricity supply connection in Ghana 

The costs for electricity supply connections vary depending on the type of service. For single-phase domestic service, the cost ranges from GHS 1,200 to GHS 2,500. For three-phase service, costs exceed GHS 5,000, depending on load requirements. We calculate commercial or industrial connection prices based on transformer capacity and network extension requirements

The fees may change over time, so always confirm the latest official rates at ECG or NEDCo offices.

Additional information

For high voltage supply

“GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Any prospective customer who requires electricity supply at High voltage (11kV or 33kV) to a facility should apply in writing to the General Manager of Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd (ECG) Regional office where the facility is located, with a soft copy to the Director of Engineering at the ECG Head office in Accra via email: kaobeng@ecggh.com.

The application (usually prepared by the Applicant’s electrical consultant or Contractor) should include the expected power demand (KVA) required, the location of the facility, the earliest connection date required and the type of load for which the power is required (i.e. Mining, shopping mall, real estate, manufacturing, construction etc.).

The prospective customer is required to provide following documents as part of his application to ECG:
A list of the major equipment to be Installed and their approximate power rating.
A Map indicating the approximate location of the site
A schedule for the phased demand, if the power would be required at different stages.”

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“PROVISION OF COST ESTIMATE

A team from the ECG Engineering Directorate will visit and survey the site to obtain information required for the preparation of a cost estimate. Usually two or three design options for the electrical connection will be prepared and the applicant will be advised on the cost of the various options including a recommendation on the optimum option.
The recommended option together with the cost estimates and the mode of payment will be communicated to the applicant in an official letter signed by the Director of Engineering.“

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“ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CONNECTION

Subject to the payment of the cost estimates by the prospective customer, ECG will then hand over the project to a licensed ECG contractor to undertake the installation works.

Depending on the amount, the applicant may approach ECG to negotiate a payment plan for the payment of the estimated cost.”

Please note that unlike Low Voltage connections, there are no standard rates or cost estimates for High Voltage works. The cost depends on the amount of power required. It also depends on the distance to the nearest ECG High Voltage line or substation. Another factor is whether the facility will be connected to a public feeder or a dedicated feeder.

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