The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in collaboration with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), organized an educational forum in Worawora, in the Oti Region to address rising concerns over high electricity bills. The forum, which was held on Thursday September 5, 2024, was a direct response to growing frustration among residents, leading to the consideration of a demonstration by residents against ECG.

The one day program, which was spearheaded by the newly formed PURC Consumer Service Committee (CSC) in the region, was aimed at addressing critical concerns regarding electricity billing, while taking the opportunity to introduce members of the CSC to the Chiefs and people of Worawora. Representatives from PURC - Volta/Oti, ECG Volta Regional Offices, and ECG Jasikan District participated in the forum.

The ECG representatives took residents through the Company's billing process and explained the current predictive billing system, which many residents believe has led to outrageously high bills. Several customers voiced their dissatisfaction, stating that the charges were far higher than their actual consumption. ECG acknowledged these concerns and assured the residents that the issues would be rectified.

To further address concerns raised by the residents, PURC indicated that it was committed to organizing another engagement with the residents at which program, ECG meter readers will take actual meter readings from residents to reconcile with the data in their system, ensuring greater accuracy in billing.

The forum was successful in diffussing tensions between ECG and the people of Worawora. Residents expressed their gratitude to both PURC and ECG for their prompt response and willingness to address the issues.

The Commission further reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of both consumers and utility service providers in the region.