The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has ordered the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) 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 order addressed to the Managing Director of the ECG dated October 4, 2022, was signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Ismael Ackah.

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.”

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.

While the situation has improved, it is yet to abate. Some customers have complained about the adverse effects of the vending challenge on their businesses, especially restaurants and other eateries.

The PURC has therefore urged the ECG to pay compensation to the affected customers as follows:

The utility regulatory body said the compensation should cover the period October 1 to 7, 2022.