The Ashanti Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has intensified its public education campaign by engaging Muslim congregants in mosques across the region every Friday, as part of efforts to promote awareness of consumers’ rights and responsibilities regarding electricity and water services.
The initiative, which takes place immediately after Friday congregational prayers, forms part of the Commission’s broader strategy to bring regulatory education directly to communities and ensure that consumers are well-informed about utility service delivery.
During the engagements, officials from PURC educate worshippers on the core functions of the Commission, explaining its mandate to regulate electricity and water services while protecting the interests of both consumers and utility service providers.
The education sessions also focus on consumers’ rights and obligations, particularly the importance of timely payment of utility bills, proper issuance and delivery of bills, and the need for customers to understand their responsibilities in maintaining a healthy relationship with service providers.
Congregants are further taken through the correct procedures for applying for new electricity and water connections. PURC officials explain the approved processes for service applications to help consumers avoid illegal connections and unnecessary delays.
Another major topic discussed is the Capital Contribution Policy, where consumers are educated on the procedures and financial responsibilities associated with electricity and water extension projects, especially in newly developing communities requiring network expansion.
According to the Commission, the outreach programme has already reached several mosques across the Ashanti Region, with more Islamic communities expected to benefit from the exercise in the coming weeks.
PURC believes that empowering consumers with the right information will contribute significantly to improved service delivery, reduced disputes between consumers and utility providers, and increased compliance with regulations governing the sector.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every consumer has access to accurate information on utility services, stressing that an informed consumer is better positioned to demand quality service while fulfilling his or her obligations.
PURC Ashanti has also encouraged members of the public experiencing challenges with electricity or water services to promptly report their concerns to the Commission for redress.
The mosque engagement forms part of PURC’s continuous stakeholder education campaign aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and efficient utility service delivery throughout the Ashanti Region.
