By Daniel Agbesi Latsu, GNA
Kadjebi (O/R), May 15, GNA – Assembly members in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region have called on the Government to investigate and audit the billing system of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), describing it as flawed and exploitative.
The Assembly members said residents in the district continued to receive what they termed as “abnormal” and “unexplainable” electricity bills, a situation they noted was causing frustration, hardship and public dissatisfaction.
The concerns were raised during an engagement between members of the Kadjebi District Assembly and officials from the Nkwanta District Office of the ECG at the Kadjebi District Assembly Hall.
Mr Anthony Ahiable, the Presiding Member of the Assembly, recounted his personal experience with the ECG billing system, saying he received huge electricity bills despite not occupying his residence for close to 18 months.
According to him, he was shocked upon his return to discover accumulated bills for power consumption at his residence at Asato-Wawaso, although the facility had virtually remained unused throughout the period.
Mr Ahiable described the situation as unfair and exploitative and appealed to the Ministry of Energy and other relevant state institutions to intervene and conduct a thorough investigation into the ECG’s billing practices.
“We believe the billing system needs urgent review because many residents are burdened with charges they cannot explain,” he stated.
Mr Emmanuel Denyo, Assembly Member for the Dodo-Bethel Electoral Area, also expressed concern about the issue and supported calls for a comprehensive audit of the ECG billing system.
He further appealed to the ECG to intensify the installation of prepaid meters in the district to help address the persistent complaints associated with estimated billing.
Several other Assembly members who contributed to the discussion called for the immediate suspension or a review of the estimated billing system, arguing that the current arrangement lacked transparency and accountability.
They maintained that the continued use of estimated billing was undermining public confidence in the ECG and placing unnecessary financial pressure on consumers.
Responding to the concerns, officials of the ECG acknowledged the complaints and assured the Assembly members that efforts would be made to address the challenges and improve service delivery.
Residents in the Kadjebi District and adjoining communities have in recent times raised concerns over increasing electricity bills, with many calling for reforms in the ECG billing system and wider access to prepaid metering.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah