The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says it is disappointed with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC)’s order to pay compensation to customers who were affected by its metering system.

The Managing Director of the ECG, Samuel Dubik Mahama said its regulator acted unfairly with what he described as an “unfortunate” order.

At a press conference on Thursday, he said the Commission should have listened to their side of the story before issuing directives.

“It is quite unfair for PURC to put out the letter without sitting with us to know exactly what happened. It is unfortunate,” he fumed.

Mr Mahama however, said they (ECG) will do what is possible for them in the matter.

“We will look into our system and whatever the meters tell us, we will do,” he stated.

The PURC on Wednesday, ordered to pay due compensation to its customers who have been affected by the prevailing challenges with the prepayment vending system.

According to the PURC, the directive is, “in compliance with the law and a demonstration of good customer service.”

The PURC noted that “In light of the breach of ECG’s statutory obligations specifically 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 (Consumer Service) Regulations, 2022 (LI 2413), the Commission hereby orders ECG to pay compensation to the affected customers.”

However, Mr Mahama was displeased about the directive.

Background

For about a week now, many ECG customers across the country have had to queue at vending centres in search of credit for their meters in order to use electricity.

For about a week now, many ECG customers across the country have had to queue at vending centres in search of credit for their meters in order to use electricity.