By Mabel Adorkor Annang
The Public Utility Regulatory Commission, PURC is cautioning electricity consumers in Tamale in the Northern Region about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit electricity meters.
The warning comes in the wake of increasing reports of fake meters being sold in local markets.
A week ago, the Northern Electricity Distribution Company, NEDCo issued a statement warning the public against the importation and sale of meters on the market.
These meters, NEDCO noted, pose significant risks to consumers and the integrity of the electricity supply system.
The Northern Regional Manager of PURC, Ali Simon Jarana, in an interview with Energy News in Tamale, emphasized that the unauthorized meters have not undergone the necessary testing and calibration by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company, NEDCo.
He stressed that the said meters do not meet the standards set by the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority as a result customers who use them will experience inaccurate billing and expose themselves to electrical hazards.
He urged consumers to be vigilant when acquiring electricity meters, reminding them that only certified meters should be used to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
He said the PURC is committed to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring a reliable power supply in the region.
As part of its efforts, the Commission plans to undertake public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the importance of using verified equipment for their energy needs.
“We’re therefore calling on the general public to stay away from this. But as a regulator it is also important that we extend a call to the distribution utility in this case NEDCO to also fast track the various applications by consumers of electricity for meters so that we can stop this menace. As a regulator, we should not sit aloof and watch it. We’re just adding our voice to NEDCOs’s voice to ensure that we clamp down on the proliferation of substandard meters within the NEDCO operational areas. Steps are far advanced to also know the source of these meters, so we can clamp down on this menace once and for all,” Mr. Jarana explained.
PURC advised consumers to report any suspicious activities or offers related to electricity meters to the relevant authorities. By doing so, they can help protect themselves and their communities from the adverse effects of fraudulent practices in the energy sector.
