The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), on Thursday, June 25, 2026, donated ten (10) desktop computers and two (2) laptop computers to the Institute for Oil and Gas Studies (IOGS) of the University of Cape Coast (UCC). This is part of the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Shafic Suleman, said this donation forms part of the Commission's efforts to support teaching, learning, and research, while fostering knowledge-sharing within Ghana's energy sector.
Dr Suleman reiterated the Commission's commitment to supporting academic institutions that contribute to policy research and capacity building in the energy sector. He noted that the donation reflects PURC's recognition of the important role universities play in producing the next generation of energy professionals and researchers, adding that the Commission remains committed to deepening partnerships that promote innovation, evidence-based policymaking, and national development.
Prof Dennis W. Aheto, Vice-Chancellor who, received the Laptops and desktop computers on behalf of the University, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the timely intervention, describing the donation as a valuable contribution that would enhance teaching, research, and administrative work at the Institute for Oil and Gas Studies. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to maintaining the equipment and ensuring that it is effectively utilized to support academic excellence.
The delegation from the University, which comprised the Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Ag. Director of Finance, Administrative Secretary to the Vice Chancellor and the Head of Electricty at the University, raised a number of concerns with the PURC concerning electricity supply, metering, and billing, which is affecting the institution. The delegation indicated that, the ongoing billing disputes with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) had begun to adversely affect academic activities and needed to be immediately addressed.
The University also raised concerns over ECG's proposal to install prepaid meters across more than 700 building units on campus. According to the delegation, the proposal departs from an earlier agreement under which metering upgrades were to be limited to thirty-two (32) critical facilities, an arrangement for which the University committed over GH¢2 million. The University appealed to the PURC to ensure that essential facilities, including libraries, laboratories and administrative offices, are exempted from prepaid metering and protected from disconnection while the billing issues are being addressed.
Dr. Suleman, assured the University of the Commission's commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent resolution of the matter. PURC indicated that it would formally engage ECG to suspend any planned disconnection of the University pending a comprehensive review of the issues raised.
The Commission further announced that it would deploy a technical team to examine the University's billing records and verify the claims presented by both parties. It also indicated that, should the need arise, a comprehensive facility-by-facility energy audit of the University would be undertaken to support the reconciliation process.
Dr. Suleman further noted that, in the interim, UCC should continue making reasonable monthly payments based on its average electricity consumption over the preceding twelve months while the review continues. The Commission explained that, although the reconciliation process may take several weeks or months, every effort would be made to ensure that the outcome is thorough, objective, and satisfactory to all stakeholders.
Dr. Suleman assured the University that its concerns would be tabled for discussion at the Commission's upcoming Public Investors' Meeting as part of broader stakeholder engagements aimed at improving utility service delivery.
In attendance were the Executive Secretary, the Director for Research & Corporate Affairs, the Director for Legal Services, the Director for Finance; the Director, Regional Operations; the Deputy Director for Water Services and Performance Monitoring, two officers from both the Corporate Affairs Directorate; and the Office of the Executive Secretary.
The University of Cape Coast delegation was led by the Vice-Chancellor and included the Registrar, the Head of Electricity, the Acting Director of Finance and the Administrative Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor.
