The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr. Shafic Suleman, on April 14, 2025 visited the Western Regional office of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Takoradi to deepen collaboration between the Commission and the service provider.

The meeting aimed at familiarising with the operations of ECG in the region and to strengthen the relationship between the Commission and ECG at the regional level and to also urge the service provider to improve on their performance in terms of Revenue Mobilization and Network (Stable Power)

Dr. Suleman commended the regional ECG for their hard work, but expressed his concerns about the need to maintain stable power in the region. "We need to find a way to ensure that, we improve on our network to have stable power, I have to push ECG because consumer payment is based on performance (Quality of Service), and that is the only way to satisfy the consumer", he added.

Dr. Suleman emphasized the need for utility service providers to improve their network and ensure stable power, considering the recent review of quarterly tariffs. He stated that the increment must be translated to ECG's performance to satisfy the independent power producers (IPPs) and all stakeholders in the value chain to ensure smooth operations of the power sector in Ghana.

The Regional General Manager of ECG, Ing. Ofori, raised critical points including, Revenue Mobilization, which enhances revenue collection efforts to ensure stable power supply; Network Improvement, which has to do with upgrading infrastructure to prevent power outages and to ensure the provision of quality service; Stable Power Supply, which includes addressing challenges such as power theft, illegal connections, and aging infrastructure to maintain reliable electricity.

Ing. Ofori acknowledged some challenges, including:

• Power theft and illegal connections: A significant hindrance to efficient service delivery
• Fake Meters: Proliferation of fake meters in ECG's network affects revenue mobilization
• Aging Infrastructure: Maintenance costs and financial constraints due to unpaid bills

Ing. Ofori assured the PURC and Dr. Suleman of ECG's commitment to improve performance and to recognize the importance of stable power for consumers. He expressed gratitude for the visit and pledged to address the outlined challenges.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Suleman highlighted the importance of quality service, directing ECG to put in place measures to achieve targets and promote closer collaboration with PURC. He expressed his appreciation to the entire management of the ECG Western Regional office for making time to meet him and commended them for their efforts.