The Ashanti Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has increased public engagement on Regulation 35 of the L.I.2413, which relates to vacation, disposal, and the acquisition of premises. In explaining the regulation, the Commission stated that persons who acquire or rent premises must check the utility bills for the premises and promptly notify the public utility of any irregularities, including the non-payment of previous bills.
Similarly, the Commission noted that a consumer who intends to vacate or dispose of premises must notify the public utility at least ten working days before vacating or disposing of the premises, for a final reading of the meter or disconnection of supply as appropriate; and supply an address where the last bill of the consumer can be sent.
The Commission clarified that notice must be in writing, given to the public utility, and acknowledged by the utility. A consumer who fails to do so is liable to pay for the service provided to the premises before vacating and during the period the premises remain vacant. If the consumer gives less than ten working days’ notice and the public utility cannot read the meter or disconnect the supply before the consumer vacates or disposes of the premises, the consumer will be responsible for payment for the service supplied up to the date of disconnection.
However, if a public utility is properly notified by a consumer but fails to read the meter or disconnect the supply within ten working days of receiving the notice, the consumer shall not be liable for payment for the service supplied after they have vacated the premises. If the consumer fails to pay the amount on the final bill within fourteen working days of receiving it, the amount will be transferred to the consumer’s new or other account with that public utility, and the utility shall be entitled to recover the amount as a debt.
The Commission, therefore, urged the public to comply with this regulation to foster harmony during vacation, disposal, and property acquisition across the region and the entire country.
