By: Mabel Adorkor Annang
The Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG has given assurance to customers that the system is robust and the current challenge has been dealt with and all meters and the App are working properly.
During a media briefing in Accra, the Managing Director of ECG, Samuel Dubik Mahama said customers can now purchase prepaid credit from third-party vendors or ECG customer service centres.
“The vending problem that occurred has been successfully resolved. All metering platforms are up and running. Our system is robust now the necessary steps have been put in place to make sure that such an occurrence doesn’t happen anymore. Mr. Mahama said.
Mr. Mahama stated that some areas in Kumasi are still facing challenges but they are being worked on.
“We’ve also realized that a few more problems are in the Ashanti Region. They have been worked on and the network has improved. The power APP is also working and is also receiving traffic. We know that is the convenient point for most of you. We are trying to make it a bit more robust so it can take more traffic and to try and put more meter vending systems onto the APP so that everyone can vend at their own convenience at any point in time.” He added.
“All third-party vendors are up. Those having challenges should visit our office and we would help them address those challenges as quickly as possible”.
Mr. Mahama asked customers to desist from panic buying to ease the pressure at the vending centers.
“I would like to reiterate that if it is not time or your power has not finished, there is no need for you to panic. The problem has been resolved. Just take your time when you run out you can purchase. So that we can ease up on the lines and the queues that are forming at the district offices.” He said.
Reacting to the compensation, Mr. Mahama said the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission, PURC should have engaged the ECG before issuing the sanction.
According to ECG negotiations are ongoing with the regulator to ensure that the necessary compensation is given to the affected customers.
“We thank PURC for putting up that notice as per their guidelines. It is quite unfortunate that they didn’t give us the opportunity to explain our side of the story before putting up that statement. It would have been prudent to have heard from us and know what transpired before putting up that statement. But that being said, they are an integral part of our sector and we are guided by their rules and regulations and we look forward to having a fair hearing. We look forward to putting together the requisite grievance procedures and requisite team and then whichever complaints come up we will take it on a case-by-case basis.” He intimated.
For more than a week, purchase of electricity credit was disrupted in parts of the country. The electricity company issued a statement on some technical challenges affecting its prepaid metering system. This has led to long queues at ECG’s Customers service centers and other vending points.
Meanwhile, Our checks at some third-party vending points show no prepaid available.
