Prepaid Metering System Failure: PURC Orders ECG To Compensate Customers
The public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has ordered the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to pay compensation to customers who were affected by the challenge in the prepaid metering system.
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the ECG, the PURC said the compensation is in compliance with the law and a demonstration of good customer service.
It referenced Sections 11 and 12(1) and (2) of the Public Utilities Act, 1997, (Act 538) and Regulations 41 and 45 of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Regulation, 2022 (L.I 2413).
“In view of the extent of inconvenience occasioned by the failures with the ECG prepayment system, the Commission has determined that ECG shall pay compensation to its affected customers”, an attached note to the letter said.
Lifeline residential customers have been earmarked to receive GHc15 as compensation, Residential customers GHc120, Non-residential customers GHc240, Commercial customers GHc480 and Industrial customers GHc1,200, the PURC specified in the note.
Additionally, the ECG has been ordered to increase staff output by extending services to 8 pm.
It has also been ordered to engage temporary staff to ensure that affected customers are speedily attended to and are credited with the approved compensation by October 7, 2022.
Last week, ECG customers in Accra, Kumasi, Volta, Takoradi, Tema, Cape Coast, Kasoa, Winneba, Swedru, Koforidua, Nkawkaw and Tafo reported challenges in purchasing electricity credits from various points including ECG offices across the country.
The challenge was partially resolved on Friday in some areas leading to the influx of customers at ECG offices to purchase credit.
The ECG had to extend its services to Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, from 9 am to 4 pm due to the high demand.
Total sanity in the system was returned yesterday.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
