Regulatory Impact of Prepaid Metering on Sustainable Urban Living

This study investigates the regulatory impact of widespread adoption of prepaid electricity metering on sustainable urban living in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 7 and 11. Using panel data (2017-2021) covering four regions of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Fixed and Random Effects regression models are used to assess the influence of meter deployment on power theft and QOS complaints. Data were sourced from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Ghana Audit Service, ECG, and Ghana Statistical Service. The analysis reveals a statistically significant positive relationship between prepaid meter deployment, power theft, and QOS complaints. Interestingly, higher enrolment in Senior High Schools (SHS) correlates with increased theft cases, suggesting that greater technical literacy may facilitate tampering, especially within urban-poor communities. We find that prepaid metering may inadvertently worsen consumer hardship and undermine urban sustainability goals without consumer education and targeted support measures. Policymakers should adopt a balanced approach integrating deployment with interventions to ensure equitable access to safeguard consumer welfare. The study proposes instalment-based prepaid meter payment options that allow users to retain service. These recommendations emphasize the need for urban utility reforms integrated with urban planning for inclusive and sustainable living urban human settlements.