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🇬🇭 Ghana /Energy & Infrastructure

Ghana's PURC holds workshop on consumer issues and utility enforcement

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in Ghana's Eastern Region held a workshop to address consumer issues and improve enforcement processes within the utility sector.
  • The workshop focused on strengthening regulatory compliance among the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL), emphasizing consumer rights and utility obligations.
  • Utility providers pledged to enhance customer service, improve complaint resolution, and increase public education, while challenges like illegal connections, meter theft, and staff assaults were discussed.

The Eastern Regional Office of Ghana's Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) organized a workshop in Koforidua to tackle growing frustrations among utility consumers and bolster regulatory compliance. The event, led by the Legal Directorate, specifically targeted strengthening oversight of the Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in the region.

compliance with PURC’s L.I. 2413 by the utility companies would strengthen collaboration and build trust among the PURC, ECG, GWL, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), and utility consumers.

— Mr. Emmanuel Nartey Wayo FiatiDirector of the Water Services and Performance Monitoring Directorate, speaking at the workshop.

Mr. Emmanuel Nartey Wayo Fiati, Director of the Water Services and Performance Monitoring Directorate, highlighted the importance of compliance with PURC's L.I. 2413. He stated the workshop served as a crucial platform for discussing issues observed during monitoring, focusing on consumer rights, utility obligations, new connections, and metering. A key emphasis was placed on rebuilding trust between service providers and the public through education.

Discussions addressed various challenges faced by utility providers, including illegal connections impacting revenue, meter theft increasing operational costs, and disputes over infrastructure projects. Additionally, issues such as assaults on staff, power outages, billing system complexities, and unpaid debts were raised. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) also participated, with PURC urging them to provide detailed reports on fire damage to aid complaint resolution.

The commission entreated the GNFS to ensure that all reports on properties damaged through fire outbreaks were detailed enough to facilitate assessment and analysis during the resolution of complaints.

— Mr. FiatiHighlighting specific requests made to the Ghana National Fire Service during the workshop.

Utility providers committed to implementing quicker complaint resolution systems, intensifying public education campaigns, and enhancing customer service training to promote transparency and accountability. The PURC reaffirmed its dedication to enforcing consumer protection and regulatory standards, aiming to bridge the credibility gap between service providers and consumers.

The utility companies were urged to prioritise improved customer service delivery.

— Mr. FiatiStating a key directive given to utility providers during the workshop.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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