PURC Reminds Ghanaians of Right to Dispute Electricity and Water Bills

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has reminded consumers across Ghana that they have the legal right to challenge electricity and water bills they believe are inaccurate or unfairly issued.

Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday April 24, Pious Abdulai Ikililu, a Complaints Officer with the PURC in the Upper East Region, urged consumers to be proactive in addressing questionable billing issues.

“Consumers have rights protected by law. If you feel your bill is inaccurate, you can report it at the utility provider’s office for the issue to be resolved.” Ikililu emphasised.

Ikililu clarified that during the process of disputing a bill, customers are still required to pay a portion of the amount in question. He warned that failure to do so could lead to disconnection of services.

“We’ve had cases where consumers assume they owe nothing during the dispute process. But if you don’t pay the agreed portion, your service can be disconnected.” He said.

Addressing another common issue, Ikililu explained that in cases where a customer has been undercharged, utility providers are legally mandated to inform the affected consumer and arrange a payment plan. This plan must allow for the shortfall to be paid in manageable installments over the months in which the undercharging occurred.

The PURC is urging consumers who feel their concerns are not resolved satisfactorily at the utility provider level to escalate the matter to the Commission.

The Commission continues to play a pivotal role in protecting consumer interests and promoting equitable utility practices in Ghana.

Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna