By Murtala Issah
A new technological intervention being considered by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) could significantly reduce the company’s electricity losses, which currently stand at over 40%, officials have disclosed.
The intervention follows an official visit by NITES Group, an international provider of advanced electricity distribution management solutions, to NEDCo in Tamale. The visit aimed to explore collaboration to address high technical and commercial losses within the power distribution network.
Electricity network losses remain one of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana’s power distribution sector, particularly in the northern part of the country. For NEDCo, losses exceeding 40% continue to undermine operational efficiency, revenue mobilisation, financial sustainability and the reliability of power supply to consumers.
During engagements with NEDCo management and technical teams, NITES Group presented its fully operational solution for accurate metering, real-time monitoring and effective reduction of electricity losses across distribution networks.
According to the company, the technology has the potential to significantly reduce energy losses when fully implemented, depending on network conditions.
The engagement follows an earlier visit initiated by the liaison for NITES Group in Ghana, Gilbert Yelewere Meznar, and the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Sofwan Company Limited, Sofwan Alhassan.
Leading the NITES Group delegation, Dmitar Cickovic said the company’s solutions are already deployed across several million metering points in Europe, where they have delivered measurable reductions in technical and commercial losses. He explained that the system enables electricity distribution companies to gain full visibility into energy flows, consumption patterns and irregularities across their networks, allowing for early detection of losses and improved control.
A member of the NITES Group team, Vladimir Petrovic, noted that the solution has been tested and validated in diverse regulatory and operational environments. He said the system has demonstrated strong scalability, reliability and long-term value for utilities seeking to modernise their distribution infrastructure and protect revenue.
The visit to NEDCo was described by both parties as highly productive, with strong interest expressed in establishing closer cooperation in the near future. Discussions focused on how NITES Group’s technology and technical expertise could support NEDCo’s ongoing efforts to modernise its distribution network, enhance revenue protection and improve the quality of service delivery to electricity consumers.
NITES Group also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s national energy policy objectives, particularly efforts aimed at reducing electricity losses, improving grid efficiency and ensuring a more sustainable and reliable power supply nationwide.
The company noted that improving efficiency in power distribution would contribute to better living conditions and accelerated economic development across the country.
Chief Sofwan expressed confidence that the introduction of the technology would deliver significant benefits to both NEDCo and electricity consumers. According to him, reduced losses and improved metering accuracy would strengthen NEDCo’s financial position, ensure fair billing and enhance reliability in power supply, ultimately improving the overall performance of Ghana’s electricity distribution sector.
Both NEDCo and NITES Group expressed optimism that the engagement would lay the foundation for a long-term partnership capable of transforming electricity distribution in Ghana and supporting sustainable energy development.
