ECG Short Codes in Ghana: Complete List for Prepaid Users

Introduction: A Quick Note Before You Dial

Managing your ECG prepaid account has never been easier. But before you dial any code, here’s the most important thing you need to know: the only official ECG short code for direct payments is *226# .

Scammers are increasingly targeting electricity customers. In recent months, fraudsters have been demanding mobile money payments in exchange for services like meter installation and debt cancellation using fake phone numbers . ECG has repeatedly warned that it does not operate any private mobile money accounts, and all legitimate transactions must go through the ECG PowerApp or the *226# short code .

This Accra Street Journal guide lists the official ECG short codes and explains which ones still work in 2026, which have been discontinued, and how to use them safely.

The Official ECG Short Code (2026)

*226# – The Primary ECG USSD Code

This is the only official short code ECG uses for its cashless payment system. Dial *226# on any mobile phone (smartphone or feature phone) to:

• Check your prepaid meter balance – View your remaining credit instantly

• Buy prepaid electricity – Purchase credit for all smart prepaid meter types

• Pay postpaid bills – Settle your monthly electricity bills

• Check outstanding balance – View any unpaid amounts

According to ECG’s cashless policy announcement, the company “no longer accepts physical cash for any transactions, including bill payments, meter services, fees, or other charges . All payments must now be made through digital platforms: the ECG PowerApp or the short code *226# .

No Extra Charges: ECG has confirmed that transactions via *226# do not attract mobile money charges or E-Levy fees .

How to Use *226#

System Requirements

The *226# service works seamlessly with smart prepaid meters that are compliant with ECG’s new Meter Management System (MMS). If you still have an older non-smart meter, ECG is in the process of replacing them at no cost to customers . All outstanding credit balances on old meters will be transferred to new smart meters during replacement .

Other USSD Codes (Historical and Network-Specific)

Mobile Network Operator Codes (Not Direct ECG Codes)

While ECG itself only uses *226#, some mobile network operators have their own USSD menus that allow you to pay electricity bills through their platforms.

Important: These are network operator codes, not direct ECG codes. When using them, you will be redirected to ECG’s payment gateway. However, ECG’s official position is clear: “payments must be initiated personally by customers using the ECG PowerApp or the company’s short code, *226#” .

Discontinued or Legacy Codes

The ECG PowerApp: A Better Alternative

If you have a smartphone, the ECG PowerApp offers more features than the USSD code.

Key Features

• Check remaining balance – View your credit at any time

• View consumption history – Track daily usage patterns

• Purchase prepaid credit – For all meter types (soon including selected card-based meters via NFC and Bluetooth)

• Report faults – Directly through the app

• Request refunds – Faster processing; withdraw instantly to mobile money or bank account

Download Information

Requirements:

• Android: Version 7.0 or later

• iOS: Version 13.0 or later; also compatible with iPadOS 13.0+, macOS 11.0+ (Apple M1 chip or later), and visionOS 1.0+

• App Size: Approximately 108–109 MB

App Ratings

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

Fraudsters are actively targeting ECG customers. According to ECG’s Ashanti West Regional General Manager, scammers contact customers via social media or phone calls, impersonate ECG officials, and demand money for meters and installations .

Red Flags to Watch For

Verified ECG Contact Channels

Report Fraud

If you receive a suspicious call or message:

1. Do not engage or send any money

2. Note the phone number of the caller

3. Report to ECG’s customer service line at 0302-611611

4. Report to the police if you have already lost money

Recent reported scam numbers include 0531807230, 0508790801, 0543803302, and 0532752541 .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the official ECG short code?
The official ECG short code is *226#. This is the only USSD code ECG uses for its cashless payment system .

2. Does ECG still accept cash payments?
No. ECG has gone fully cashless and no longer accepts physical cash for any transactions, including bill payments, meter services, fees, or other charges .

3. Can I use *110# to pay ECG bills?
*110# is Vodafone Cash’s utility payment menu. While it may work, ECG’s official position is that all payments should be made through *226# or the ECG PowerApp . ECG does not endorse third-party codes as primary payment methods.

4. Does using *226# cost extra money?
No. ECG has confirmed that transactions via *226# do not attract mobile money charges or E-Levy fees .

5. What should I do if *226# is not working?
First, ensure you have sufficient mobile network coverage. If the problem persists, try using the ECG PowerApp instead, or contact ECG customer service at 0302-611611 .

6. Can I check my prepaid meter balance using USSD?
Yes. Dial *226# and follow the prompts to check your remaining credit balance.

7. What is the difference between *226# and the ECG PowerApp?
The USSD code works on any phone (including basic feature phones) but offers limited features. The PowerApp works only on smartphones but provides additional features like consumption history, fault reporting, and faster refunds .

8. Is there a short code for checking ECG postpaid bills?
Yes. Dial *226# and select the “Pay Bill” or “Check Balance” option. You will need your account number rather than your meter number.

9. How do I know if a call claiming to be from ECG is legitimate?
ECG does not call customers to request mobile money payments. If you receive such a call, it is a scam. Hang up and report it to ECG customer service at 0302-611611 .

10. Are there any other official ECG short codes I should know about?
No. ECG has consolidated all its services under the single short code *226# as part of its cashless transformation .

Summary Table: ECG Short Codes at a Glance

Conclusion: Stay Safe, Use the Official Code

The only ECG short code you need to remember is *226#. Dial it to check your balance, buy prepaid credit, or pay your postpaid bill. It works on any phone, has no extra charges, and is the only official ECG USSD channel .

Ignore calls from strangers claiming to be ECG officials demanding mobile money payments. ECG does not operate private mobile money accounts, and the company has gone fully cashless .

For a more comprehensive experience, download the ECG PowerApp on your smartphone. It offers real-time consumption tracking, fault reporting, and faster refunds when transactions fail .

When in doubt, call ECG’s official customer service line at 0302-611611

Source: Accra Street Journal 

Last Updated on April 12, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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