The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in the Ashanti Region has made significant strides in addressing consumer grievances and ensuring financial accountability in the utility sector during the first quarter of 2025.
According to the Commission, a total of 422 complaints were lodged against the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited between January and March.
Breakdown of Complaints.
Out of the 422 complaints, 377 have been successfully resolved, while 45 remain under investigation.
A breakdown of the complaints revealed that ECG accounted for 397 of the reported cases, while Ghana Water Limited had 25 complaints filed against its services.
This impressive resolution rate demonstrates PURC’s commitment to efficient and effective dispute resolution.
Financial Recoveries and Refunds.
The PURC also played a crucial role in financial recoveries, retrieving GH¢108,371 for utility companies from customers who had defaulted on bill payments.
According to Richard Asiedu, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO) of PURC, “through our intervention, we ensured that utility companies received payments owed to them, helping to sustain their operations.”
In addition to recovering funds for utility companies, the commission facilitated refunds totaling GH¢52,129 to customers who were overbilled by service providers. This move underscores PURC’s dedication to protecting consumer rights and promoting fairness in the utility sector.
Call for Increased Engagement.
Mr. Asiedu emphasized PURC’s commitment to its 2025 agenda of “Responsible Regulations for Strategic Positioning,” urging consumers to report any grievances against utility providers. He also encouraged utility companies to report cases of non-payment to the commission for resolution under L.I. 2413, which empowers PURC to assist in retrieving outstanding payments.
“Our doors are always open to both consumers and utility providers,” Mr. Asiedu stated. “We encourage all stakeholders to engage with us to ensure fair and efficient service delivery.” This call for increased engagement highlights PURC’s proactive approach to addressing utility sector challenges.
The PURC remains a key mediator in the utility sector, ensuring that both service providers and consumers operate within a balanced and accountable framework. With its impressive track record of resolving complaints and recovering funds, the commission is well-positioned to continue promoting fairness and efficiency in the utility sector.
Thanks for sharing this! Very informative and easy to understand.