Ghana: We’ll Sanction Utility Service Providers Short Changing Consumers-PURC

The Volta Regional Manager of Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Philip Agbezudor, has assured aggrieved utility consumers in the region not to hesitate to bring their concerns before the commission for redress.

He said instead of taking the laws into their own hands, they should have faith in the PURC and report their grievances to the PURC which has a regional office in Ho, the regional capital.

He said his outfit would take the grievances of consumers very seriously. Besides, it would conduct the necessary investigations and would not hesitate to apply the necessary sanctions on anyone or service provider found culpable.

Mr. Agbezudor made the observation during an interaction with the Muslim Community in Ho. He said the PURC which is constitutionally mandated to oversee the provision and delivery of quality utility service to Ghanaians would do all in its power to ensure that the consumer and the utility providers have a mutually beneficial relationship.

He observed that it was impossible for the society to exist without problems and misunderstanding. “But as a nation governed by laws, there are established bodies that we should seek redress from in times of grief or when we feel shortchanged…” he added.

He further explained that since the PURC as a regulator was more of a liaison between the public on one hand and the utility service providers on the other just as service providers will be dealt with when wrong, consumers will also be dealt with when they engage in any illegal activity.

Reacting to a question of high bills, improper disconnection and gross unprofessional conduct by staff and workers of both Power Producing Services (PDS) and the Ghana Water Company (GWCL), the regional manager said they were matters the commission took seriously and would always take steps to investigate and sanction where necessary.

Mr. Agbezudor advised consumers to observe basic energy and water conservation tips to deal with the issue of high bills and also desist from all forms of illegality while they report people whom they suspect were engaged in illegality.