PURC engages Upper East media on newly adjusted utility tariffs

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has engaged media practitioners in the Upper East Region as part of efforts to deepen public understanding of the newly approved utility tariffs and strengthen consumer participation in the regulatory process.

The engagement, organised by the PURC Bolgatanga Office, aimed at equipping journalists with accurate information to enhance public education on tariff adjustments, consumer rights, and the mandate of the Commission.

Welcoming participants, the Regional Manager of PURC, Bolgatanga Office, Mr. Suleman Adam Mohammed, underscored the critical role of the media in disseminating credible information, especially at a time when public concerns over utility pricing remain high. He stressed that well‑informed consumers are better positioned to appreciate the rationale behind tariff reviews and utilise available complaint and redress mechanisms effectively.

Mr. Mohammed expressed concern over the performance of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) in its communication with consumers. He noted that many challenges could be mitigated if the Company adhered to regulatory requirements and prioritised public education. “It’s an issue of registration and what the law says. If they had done the right thing—engaged the media and educated consumers—many of these issues would be better understood,” he lamented.

He emphasised that communication remains essential, particularly during service disruptions. According to him, some rural communities experience prolonged outages due to transformer challenges, leaving residents in darkness for days or even weeks. “Solving a problem has itself become a problem,” he added.

A presentation by the Regional Public Relations Officer of PURC, Mr. Abdulai Ikililu Pius, took journalists through the history and mandate of the Commission, highlighting its responsibility in regulating electricity and water services to ensure fairness for both consumers and utility providers.

The presentation covered revenue mobilisation processes, the Commission’s regulatory framework, and procedures for handling consumer complaints. Mr. Ikililu disclosed that between 2022 and 2026, the Bolgatanga Office recovered a total of ¢360,652.71 against an adjustment recovery of ¢112,042.94.

He further revealed that the Commission continues to receive numerous complaints from consumers on issues such as billing discrepancies, metering challenges, and service interruptions. From 2022 to 2026, the office received a total of 3,514 complaints, out of which 3,401 were resolved, leaving 113 pending due to technical, administrative, or legal complexities requiring further engagement with service providers.

On infrastructure interventions, the PURC reported that within the same period, 37 transformers, 189 electric poles, and 24 meters were replaced across various communities.

Management reiterated that the Commission remains committed to striking a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring the financial sustainability of utility companies.

The Commission appealed to media practitioners to support public education efforts by simplifying tariff information for the public. It believes that effective communication and increased awareness will help reduce misinformation, promote transparency, and encourage consumers to seek clarification through the appropriate channels.

The engagement forms part of PURC’s broader commitment to stakeholder participation and consumer protection. By partnering with the media, the Commission hopes to strengthen public confidence in the regulatory process and ensure that consumers across the Upper East Region fully understand the implications of the new tariffs and their rights under the law.

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