By Elizabeth PUNSU, Kumasi
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has rolled out a series of initiatives across Ashanti Region.
These efforts aim to educate utility consumers on their rights and responsibilities while also monitoring service providers for compliance as part of its activities for second quarter of the year.
According to PURC Ashanti Regional Office, the move forms part of its commitment to building a more informed and responsible consumer base and also hold service providers accountable across the region.
One such initiative by the Commission was a Community Regulatory Tour, during which the PURC Ashanti team visited communities around Bibiani including Oforiwaakrom, Kojo Mensahkrom, Otaakrom, Baniekrom and Bibiani itself.
According to the Commission, its tour focused on checking the frequency of meter readings, bill delivery and assessing reliability and stability of power supply.
Public Relations Officer-PURC Richard Asiedu told journalists that during their visits, the team engaged directly with residents and advised them against illegal electricity connections and stressed the importance of timely bill payments.
The Commission also took note of consumer complaints and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving those concerns.
Another major outreach effort is the ‘I Am Young and Responsible’ initiative, through which PURC last week engaged over 800 students at Bekwai Wesley Senior High School.
The session focused on responsible usage of electricity and water, conservation habits and an introduction to the Commission’s regulatory mandate.
Students were also educated on consumer complaint management, the dangers of unsafe electricity usage and methods of preventing accidents such as electrocution both at school and home.
In addition, the Ashanti Regional Office held a ‘Market Connect’ at Juabeng Market, where traders and people in the market were informed about the Commission’s role and provided with contact leaflets to facilitate future communication regarding electricity and water concerns.
Furthermore, the ‘PURC @ the Bus Terminal’ initiative made its second stop at Dunkwa main lorry station which falls under the jurisdiction of ECG Ashanti South Regional Office. According to the Commission, this outreach was aimed to connect with public transport users and operators.
During all of the various outreach events: “Participants were briefed on their rights and responsibilities, the dangers of illegal connections and how to lodge complaints. Informational leaflets were distributed to promote easier access to PURC services,” Mr. Asiedu told journalists.
