PURC summons ECG over reports of fast-draining prepaid electricity units

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has summoned the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to answer mounting public complaints that prepaid electricity credits are depleting unusually quickly.

PURC Executive Secretary Dr. Shafic Suleman has directed ECG’s Managing Director, along with senior officials from the technical, commercial, ICT, and customer service departments, to attend an emergency meeting on Wednesday, February 26, to address the issue.

In a formal letter cited by Myjoyonline, PURC said it had taken note of widespread media reports and consumer complaints alleging rapid depletion of prepaid units following the January tariff adjustment under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).

The Energy Minister has also intervened. Speaking through his spokesperson, Richmond Rockson, on February 24, he directed ECG to investigate the concerns and submit a comprehensive report within seven days. He added that PURC, the Energy Commission, the Ministry, and other agencies are collaborating to resolve the matter fairly and transparently.

ECG has denied any wrongdoing. Communications Director William Boateng stated on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem programme that the company only applies tariffs approved by PURC and has not implemented any unauthorized increases.

He suggested that higher electricity consumption, driven by hot weather conditions and increased use of electrical appliances, may be responsible for the faster depletion of prepaid credits. He noted that increased reliance on cooling devices during heat waves can significantly raise consumption levels.

On January 1, 2026, PURC implemented a 9.86% electricity tariff increase under the 2026–2030 MYTO framework to support long-term investment in power infrastructure.

The tariff adjustment coincides with rising inflation in electricity and gas prices, which increased from 6.1% year-on-year in December 2025 to 14.8% in January 2026.

The emergency meeting is expected to review how the MYTO tariff changes were integrated into prepaid metering systems, assess any parameter adjustments, evaluate the scale of consumer complaints, and outline corrective measures where necessary.