ECG consumers demand PURC intervention over billing adjustments

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is facing intense pressure from consumers who are calling for an immediate intervention by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over unexplained billing adjustments. Across the country, electricity users have reported a sudden and exorbitant rise in their monthly bills, leading to widespread frustration and allegations of unfair charges. These customers are demanding that the regulator step in to investigate ECG's billing methodologies and ensure that the utility provider is held accountable for what many describe as a lack of transparency. The controversy stems from recent operational changes within ECG that have reportedly compromised billing accuracy. Customers have expressed confusion over adjustments appearing on their statements without clear justification or prior communication. In many instances, these retrospective charges have significantly inflated the amount owed, leaving households and businesses struggling to meet the unexpected costs. Complicating the matter is the perceived failure of ECG’s customer service departments to provide adequate explanations or timely resolutions for disputed bills, further eroding public trust in the utility provider. While regulations are in place to protect consumers from overcharging and to mandate accurate billing practices, critics argue that these safeguards are not being effectively enforced. The current situation has highlighted a gap in oversight, with consumers feeling robbed by a system they view as opaque. Advocacy groups and individual users are now calling on the PURC to exercise its mandate more aggressively, demanding that ECG provide a comprehensive and public breakdown of how these billing adjustments are calculated. Without such transparency, the backlash against the state-owned power distributor is expected to intensify as more customers report being affected by the billing inconsistencies.