AGI Urges ECG to Adopt Reverse Metering to Unlock Solar Potential
The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Kofi Nsiah-Poku, is calling on the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to introduce reverse metering, warning that its absence is limiting the full benefits of solar energy investments by businesses.
Speaking on the growing adoption of renewable energy within Ghana’s industrial sector, Mr. Nsiah-Poku expressed concern that companies investing heavily in solar power systems are unable to feed excess electricity back into the national grid — a system widely practiced in other countries.
According to him, the situation undermines both private sector investment and national energy efficiency.
“It’s been going on for a very long time, and ECG doesn’t seem to have a solution — or they don’t seem to be interested. We are promoting solar, but when people have excess energy and they want to give back to ECG, there’s no solution,” he said.
Reverse metering, also known as net metering, allows electricity consumers who generate their own power, particularly through solar systems, to export surplus energy to the grid and receive credits on their electricity bills. The system effectively enables a two-way relationship between consumers and utility providers.
Mr. Nsiah-Poku noted that Ghana’s current framework only supports one-directional consumption, where businesses can draw power from ECG but cannot supply excess energy back, even when they have the capacity to do so.
“In most countries, they all use reverse meters. I don’t understand why Ghana is adamant to the use of reverse meters,” he questioned.
He further explained that implementing reverse metering would create a more balanced and efficient energy ecosystem, allowing businesses to offset their electricity costs while contributing to national supply.
“If I have excess, I give to ECG. If I’m in need, I take from ECG. Then at the end of the month, a balance is struck, and I pay my bill,” he said.
The AGI President also raised concerns about policy inconsistency, pointing out that while government continues to promote solar adoption, the lack of supporting infrastructure and policy frameworks weakens the intended impact.
“Why is it that government is promoting solar but is not prepared to take back what industry can give back to ECG — even to support their operations?” he asked.
Beyond cost savings for businesses, Mr. Nsiah-Poku argued that reverse metering could strengthen Ghana’s broader energy strategy by improving grid stability and reducing pressure on traditional power generation sources.
He added that enabling industries to feed power into the grid could also open opportunities for excess energy to be aggregated and exported, potentially generating additional revenue for the country.
The call comes at a time when Ghana’s industrial sector is increasingly turning to renewable energy solutions to manage high electricity costs and improve operational resilience.
Energy analysts say adopting reverse metering could mark a significant step toward a more decentralized and sustainable power system, one that leverages private sector capacity to complement national supply.
For now, industry players are urging policymakers and ECG to act swiftly to align Ghana’s energy policies with global best practices and unlock the full value of solar investments
