By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), May 18, GNA — Mr Emmanuel Agyemang of Kadjebi in the Oti Region has petitioned the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to investigate what he describes as an unexplained and exploitative billing system being used by the Electricity Company of Ghana.
A copy of the petition, sighted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), alleges that before June 2025, Mr Agyemang’s monthly electricity bills averaged below GH¢50.00. He explained that his household electricity usage was limited to two bulbs, a ceiling fan, and a mobile phone charger.
According to him, the situation changed after ECG introduced an “Estimated Billing System” in June 2025, resulting in sharp increases in his monthly bills without clear justification.
Mr Agyemang stated that ECG disconnected his electricity supply on January 28, 2026, over an alleged outstanding debt of GH¢1,460.00.
He said he subsequently paid GH¢500.00 on March 31, 2026, reducing the alleged arrears to GH¢940.00. However, despite the disconnection, he claimed ECG continued to bill him for electricity consumption.
The petitioner cited a March 2026 text message from ECG showing a charge of GH¢90.82 for 38 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity allegedly consumed during the period.
He further stated that in April 2026, he received another bill of GH¢219.38 for an alleged consumption of 101kWh, although his premises remained disconnected from the national grid.
Mr Agyemang said ECG later informed him that his outstanding balance had increased to GH¢1,226.98, which he was required to settle before May 21, 2026.
He is therefore calling on PURC to investigate ECG’s billing system, audit his account, refund monies paid for electricity not consumed, and compensate him for the inconvenience and hardship caused.
The petitioner also appealed to the Commission to review or suspend the Estimated Billing System, which he believes is unfair to consumers.
Mr Agyemang expressed confidence that PURC would intervene to ensure fairness and justice in the matter.
Meanwhile, residents in the Kadjebi District and adjoining communities have recently raised concerns over increasing electricity bills, with many calling for reforms in ECG’s billing system and wider access to prepaid meters.
Assembly members in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region, during a recent sitting, similarly called on the Government to investigate and audit ECG’s billing practices, describing the system as flawed and exploitative.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Audrey Dekalu