Electricity has become indispensable to modern life in Ghana, powering homes, businesses, and the digital devices that connect us to work, education, and entertainment. The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) provides prepaid metering systems that allow customers to buy electricity credit in advance, putting an end to bill shock and providing better budget control. Accessing these prepaid services conveniently requires knowing the correct USSD codes and understanding the various purchasing and management options available through mobile phones.
The official short code for ECG prepaid services (Electricity Company of Ghana) is *226#. This USSD service works across all mobile networks including MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo, providing universal access regardless of which telecommunications provider you use. The simplicity of this single code cuts out confusion and makes electricity management accessible to everyone with any mobile phone, including basic feature phones that lack smartphone capabilities or internet connectivity.
Understanding how to use this short code and the alternative methods available empowers customers to manage electricity needs. Late-night power runs out? Dial the code and buy credit immediately without leaving home or searching for vendors. Want to check remaining units before planning your week? The code provides instant balance information. Experience power outages and want to report them? The same system facilitates communication with ECG about service issues.
Using the *226# Short Code
This USSD service allows you to handle multiple electricity management tasks through simple menu navigation on any mobile phone. After dialing *226#, your phone displays a menu showing available options. The interface uses numbered selections, making navigation straightforward even for people unfamiliar with technology.
Buying prepaid credit through the menu is especially useful for those without smartphones or who prefer the simplicity of USSD over apps. After selecting the purchase option, the system requests your meter number, which you enter exactly as it appears on your physical meter. Accuracy is a must since incorrect meter numbers send credit to wrong accounts, and recovering misdirected payments involves lengthy customer service processes.
After entering your meter number, specify the amount you want to buy. The system displays the total cost including any transaction fees, requests confirmation, then prompts for Mobile Money authorization. Enter your MoMo PIN when requested to complete the purchase. For smart meters, credit appears automatically within seconds to minutes. For older meters requiring token entry, you receive SMS containing numeric tokens that you manually input into your meter keypad.
Check your balance to know remaining electricity units before they run out completely. This monitoring capability helps plan purchases strategically, avoiding emergency situations when meters die during inconvenient times like late nights or during important activities. Select the balance check option from the menu, enter your meter number when prompted, and the system displays your current units.
Access features of the ECG PowerApp offline; For customers who’ve registered with the app but need functionality without internet connectivity. While the full ECG PowerApp requires smartphones and data connections, the USSD code provides basic features accessible from any phone anywhere.
Report power issues or outages through the system when experiencing service disruptions. Instead of making phone calls that might not connect during peak reporting periods or visiting offices during business hours, the USSD system provides convenient reporting channels. Select the reporting option, provide your meter number and location information, and describe the issue you’re experiencing. While USSD reporting doesn’t guarantee immediate resolution, it creates service tickets that ECG uses to track and address problems systematically.
Alternative ECG Prepaid Payment Methods
Beyond the standard *226# code, several alternative methods provide convenience or functionality depending on your preferences and circumstances.
Network Specific options include Vodafone users who can also buy ECG prepaid credit using the *110# menu. This Vodafone-exclusive code accesses their mobile financial services platform where ECG credit purchasing integrates alongside other bill payments and services. Vodafone users familiar with *110# for other transactions may prefer using this familiar interface rather than learning a separate ECG-specific code. The process mirrors *226# functionality but runs within Vodafone’s ecosystem.
App usage through the ECG PowerApp provides real-time energy monitoring and cashless payments via Mobile Money, Visa, or Mastercard for customers with smartphones and internet access. Download the app from Google Play Store for Android devices or Apple App Store for iPhones. After installation, register with your phone number and verify through SMS code. Add your meter to the app by entering your meter number, which the app validates against ECG databases. The PowerApp provides advantages beyond basic USSD including visual consumption graphs showing electricity usage patterns over time, historical purchase records tracking spending, multiple payment methods including bank cards alongside Mobile Money, and push notifications about successful purchases or low balance warnings.
In-Meter Codes work for specific meter brands, where manual codes like 009 or 818# can sometimes be used directly on the meter keypad to check remaining units. These manufacturer-specific codes bypass phone-based systems entirely, allowing direct meter interaction. The code sequences activate meter displays showing current balance, consumption history, or diagnostic information. Access methods and available codes depend on specific meter models since manufacturers implement different interfaces. Common codes include 009 followed by the OK button to display balance on some models, or 818# to access meter information menus. Check documentation that came with your meter or contact ECG customer service to learn which codes work for your specific meter model.
Making the Most of your Prepaid Credit
Knowing the codes is great, but the real secret to managing your power is using a few simple habits to save money and stay ahead of any issues.
Monitor consumption patterns by checking balances regularly and noting how quickly credit depletes. Understanding that your household consumes approximately 50 units weekly helps plan purchases to maintain comfortable buffers above zero.
Top up strategically by buying credit during promotions when ECG occasionally provides bonus units, avoiding last-minute emergency purchases when desperate situations might lead to mistakes like incorrect meter numbers.
Protect your meter number by treating it like sensitive financial information. Scammers sometimes pose as ECG officials requesting meter numbers and personal details for fraudulent purposes. Only enter meter numbers into official ECG systems like *226# or the PowerApp, never share them in response to unsolicited calls or messages, and verify any ECG communication through official channels before providing information.
Save purchase confirmations including SMS receipts containing transaction references and token numbers. These records prove purchases if credit doesn’t reach meters or there are any discrepancies.
Report problems promptly when meters malfunction, credit purchases don’t reflect, or suspicious consumption patterns appear. Early reporting prevents small issues from becoming major problems and creates documentation trails useful if there is any dispute.
Understand your meter type since smart meters and older token-based meters work differently. Smart meters receive credit automatically through wireless communication after purchases, while token meters require manual entry of numeric codes sent via SMS.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Incorrect meter numbers cause the most frequent problems when buying credit. Always verify meter numbers carefully before confirming transactions. If you accidentally send credit to wrong meters, contact ECG customer service immediately with transaction references.
Failed transactions sometimes occur due to network issues, insufficient Mobile Money balances, or system maintenance. If payments fail, check your MoMo balance to ensure sufficient funds including transaction fees. Verify network connectivity by trying other phone functions. Check ECG social media for system maintenance announcements. Wait several minutes before retrying to avoid duplicate charges.
Missing credit after successful payment should be reported to ECG if smart meters don’t update within 15 minutes or if token SMS doesn’t arrive within 5 minutes. Contact customer service with transaction references from payment confirmations.
Token rejection happens when meters refuse to accept tokens due to entry errors or meter faults. Ensure you’re entering tokens exactly as received, including all digits in correct sequence. Some meters have time limits requiring token entry within hours or days of purchase. If valid tokens are consistently rejected, request ECG technician visits to reprogram or repair meters.
QuePosts: Utility Services Directory in Ghana
Struggling to remember utility codes or wondering which payment method saves the most on fees? QuePosts solves this through Ghana’s most comprehensive local business directory for utility providers and essential services. Find complete, verified information for ECG offices across all regions with addresses, customer service numbers, operating hours, and services available at each location. Discover ECG-authorized vendors in your neighborhood for times when online systems are down or you prefer in-person transactions.
The directory extends beyond ECG to include Ghana Water Company offices and payment locations, internet service providers with coverage maps and customer reviews, mobile money agents for cash deposits enabling utility payments, and phone repair shops. Each listing includes verified contact information, service hours, location details with directions, accepted payment methods, and customer reviews sharing real experiences about service quality.
QuePosts also connects you with electricians who install or repair prepaid meters, solar power providers as backup options during outages, and energy efficiency consultants helping reduce consumption. The platform’s review system lets you warn others about non-functional USSD codes, unreliable vendors, or helpful ECG offices with exceptional service.
Knowing the correct short code for ECG prepaid makes buying electricity quicker and less stressful for customers in Ghana. Using the approved code helps avoid mistakes, delays, or failed transactions, especially during urgent top ups. With the right information and a reliable payment method, managing prepaid electricity becomes a simple part of daily life.
