The Ashanti Regional office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has issued a strong caution to residents against the unlawful practice of transferring electricity and water meters from one location to another, describing the act as illegal and potentially dangerous.
According to the Commission, utility meters are strictly assigned to specific premises and must not be relocated under any circumstances without proper authorization. The directive follows a surge in public inquiries, particularly during recent radio engagements, where consumers sought clarity on whether meters could be moved when changing residences.
Responding to the concerns, officials of PURC Ashanti were unequivocal: such actions are prohibited.
“Meters are installed for designated locations and are not transferable,” the Commission emphasized. “Even repositioning a meter within the same property requires prior approval and must be carried out by the appropriate service provider.”
The caution applies to both electricity meters managed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and water meters under the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL). The Commission stressed that only authorized personnel from these institutions are permitted to handle, relocate, or tamper with utility meters.
PURC warned that unauthorized interference with meters not only violates regulatory laws but also poses serious safety risks, including electrical hazards and water system contamination. Offenders, it noted, could face severe penalties ranging from fines to possible prosecution.
The Commission further explained that improper handling or relocation of meters can disrupt billing systems, lead to inaccurate consumption records, and create operational challenges for utility providers.
As part of its public education drive, PURC Ashanti urged consumers to strictly adhere to laid-down procedures when dealing with utility services. Residents planning to move into new premises are encouraged to apply for fresh connections through the appropriate channels rather than attempting to move existing meters.
In addition, the Commission called on utility providers to improve service delivery by expediting new connection requests. This, it believes, will help curb the temptation among consumers to resort to illegal practices due to delays.
“The right approach is always to contact your service provider,” PURC advised. “We are committed to ensuring that consumers receive safe, reliable, and lawful access to utility services.”
The warning forms part of PURC’s broader mandate to regulate and oversee the provision of electricity and water services in Ghana, while protecting both consumer interests and infrastructure integrity.
Residents across the Ashanti Region are therefore being reminded that compliance with utility regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a critical step toward ensuring public safety and efficient service delivery.
