The Electricity Company of Ghana will today, Monday June 20, begin a nationwide disconnection exercise in a bid to retrieve outstanding debts owed it by consumers.

The move comes on the back of attempts by government to privatise the state power distributor.

Government currently owes ECG GHC950 million while private individuals owe GH¢650 million, making a total of about GHC1.6 billion.

Speaking to the media, the general secretary of the Public Utilities Workers Union said the outstanding debts are crippling their operations.

“The outstanding debts coupled with the continuous consumption of power by government ministries, agencies and departments and other institutions are seriously affecting the revenue generation of the company.

“As a trading concern, the fact that about 40% of our monthly billings are constantly not paid by these high consumers is aggravating the financial crisis of the company. As workers, we have exercised a lot of restraint and caution but have come to the realization that some drastic action needs to be taken to resolve this matter once and for all. Accordingly, we urge all consumers to take note that we are going to embark on massive disconnection exercise beginning June 20 to claim our monies,” he warned.