The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has established an office in Techiman, the regional capital, to ensure high-quality service delivery and protect the interests of stakeholders. This office, which began operations on March 1, 2024, is the first to be opened by the Commission in the six new regions and marks the eleventh Regional Office of the Commission as part of its decentralization efforts.
Since its inception, the office has undertaken various activities, including complaint management, public education, and visits to announce its presence, create awareness, and increase visibility. These activities have included street walks, leaflet distribution, education for associations and groups, and mass media education.
The office has received a total of 112 complaints ranging from over billing, delayed service connections, power outages, no flow of water, colored water, rotten poles, faulty meters, illegal connections, and non-payment of bills, among others, against providers in the region. Out of these, 103 have been satisfactorily resolved, with 9 pending. The office has also facilitated the payment of GHC2,710.00 as an adjustment in favor of two customers and is working to recover a debt of GHC2,954,040.00 owed to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) Techiman Area Office by some customers in the region.
During his two-day working visit to the region, Alhaji Jabaru Abukari, Director of Regional Operations and Consumer Services (ROCS) of PURC, emphasized the need to bring utility regulation to the doorstep of consumers, ensuring high-quality service delivery. He held meetings and engagements with utility service providers, including NEDCo and Ghana Water Limited (GWL), and officially informed them about the existence of the office in the region, seeking their cooperation in serving the people of Bono East Region.
In a radio interview on Techiman-based Bonokyempem Radio, Alhaji Abukari urged the public to maintain a harmonious working relationship with the Regional Office, seeking clarifications on utility issues. He encouraged consumers to report any difficulties and challenges they face in their quest for safe, adequate, reliable, reasonable, and non-discriminatory supply to the regulator.
PURC was established in October 1997 under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, 1997 (Act 538) as a multi-sector regulator to regulate the provision of electricity and water utility services. The Commission also regulates transportation of natural gas services under the Energy Commission Act, 1997 (Act 541). As an independent body, PURC is not subject to the control of any authority in the performance of its functions.
