The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, has paid a working visit to the Western Regional office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Takoradi to deepen collaboration between the Commission and the service provider.
The meeting aimed to familiarise stakeholders with the operations of ECG in the region, strengthen the relationship between the Commission and ECG at the regional level, and urge the service provider to improve its performance in revenue mobilisation and ensure a stable power supply.
Dr. Suleman commended the regional ECG for their hard work but expressed concern over the need to maintain a stable power supply in the region.
“We need to find a way to ensure that we improve our network to achieve stable power. I have to push ECG because consumer payment is based on performance – the quality of service – and that is the only way to satisfy the consumer,” he added.
Dr. Suleman stressed the need for utility service providers to improve their networks and ensure stable power supply, especially in light of the recent upward review of tariffs.
He stated that the increment must translate into improved performance by the ECG to satisfy the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and all stakeholders in the value chain, in order to ensure the smooth operation of the power sector in Ghana.
The Regional General Manager of ECG, Emmanuel J. Ofori, raised critical points including revenue mobilisation, which enhances collection efforts to support stable power supply; network improvement, involving the upgrading of infrastructure to prevent outages and ensure the delivery of quality service; and stable power supply, which requires addressing challenges such as power theft, illegal connections, and ageing infrastructure to maintain reliable electricity.
Mr. Ofori acknowledged several challenges affecting the efficient delivery of service, including power theft and illegal connections, which significantly hinder operations; the proliferation of fake meters within ECG’s network, which impacts revenue mobilisation; and ageing infrastructure, which increases maintenance costs and is further strained by financial constraints due to unpaid bills.
Mr. Ofori assured the PURC and Dr Suleman of ECG’s commitment to improving its performance and acknowledged the importance of stable power for consumers. He expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged to address the challenges outlined.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Suleman highlighted the importance of quality service, directing ECG to implement measures to achieve its targets and to promote closer collaboration with the PURC.
He expressed his appreciation to the entire management of the ECG Western Regional Office for making time to meet with him and commended them for their efforts.
