The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) launched a comprehensive educational initiative at Wli Afegame in the Volta Region, a picturesque tourist destination known for housing West Africa’s tallest waterfall.

This effort, in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Hohoe District and facilitated by Assembly Member Hon. Regina E. Daketse, aimed to empower residents by educating them about their rights, responsibilities, and complaint procedures regarding utility services.

The forum attracted a significant turnout, with ECG representatives addressing critical concerns about billing, metering, and network operations. A key highlight of the discussion was the identification of “promotional meters,” which residents reported obtaining from non-ECG sources. Participants were urged to report such meters to the ECG for appropriate management, emphasizing the need for proper utility oversight and consumer protection.

“Consumer confidence in both the regulator and service providers is paramount,” said Hon. Daketse during her opening remarks. “This initiative is designed to build that confidence while ensuring that our residents are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities.”

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with many residents advocating for the expansion of such initiatives to other nearby communities. The PURC reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the interests of both consumers and utility service providers, recognizing that informed consumers are essential for a thriving utility sector.

Later that same day, another educational forum was held in Alavanyo Dzogbedze, also in the Hohoe District, organized in collaboration with the ECG Kpando District. This forum was facilitated by Assemblyman Hon. Sampson Divine Dovlo and aimed to address similar concerns raised by the local populace.

During the forum, participants expressed their frustration regarding the prevalence of uncaptured meters acquired from non-ECG sources. Many residents acknowledged that earlier educational interventions could have mitigated the challenges they faced with unauthorized metering practices.

In addressing the issues, ECG representatives offered an apology for the attitudes displayed by some meter readers, which had led to dissatisfaction among residents. They encouraged the community to report any misconduct to the ECG office for prompt resolution. Additionally, ECG officials stressed the importance of avoiding illegal practices such as meter tampering and self-reconnection, which not only affect billing accuracy but also jeopardize the integrity of the electrical network.

The PURC, throughout both forums, reiterated its commitment to balancing the interests of consumers with those of service providers, emphasizing the necessity for collaboration and transparency in the utility sector.

Both events represent a significant step toward enhancing consumer education in the Hohoe District, reinforcing the PURC's ongoing efforts to foster a more informed and engaged public in utility service matters. The collaborative approach taken by the PURC and ECG illustrates the importance of community involvement in addressing utility issues, ensuring that consumers feel empowered and heard.