Gov’t orders independent probe into faulty meters, overbilling claims in Volta Region

Government is set to commission an independent investigation into complaints of alleged overbilling and faulty electricity meters in parts of the Volta Region.

The investigation will be conducted by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the Energy Commission following complaints from residents over inaccurate electricity bills and defective meters.

Announcing the decision at the launch and sensitisation of the Turnkey Electrification Project in Ho on Friday, August 28, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr John Abdulai Jinapor, said consumers must pay their bills but should only be charged accurately and fairly.

“I am not saying that you should not pay your bills; you must pay your bills. But we want you to pay the right bills. We will send a team from the PURC, not ECG, because the complaint is against ECG, and we cannot ask ECG to come and investigate itself. We need an independent body.”

He said the investigation would cover allegations of faulty meters and inaccurate billing, with appropriate action to be taken where irregularities are established.

The Minister assured residents to replace faulty meters, while customers found to have overpaid would be credited to recover the excess payments over time.

He urged residents to allow the investigation to run its course and accept the findings, saying the exercise was intended to promote transparency, fairness and accountability in the electricity sector.

Source: GNA