In a recent interview with Fawe Fm’s Osabarima Kwaku Acquah, Mrs. Pamela Naa Aku Shika Brown, Public Relations Officer for the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), addressed a common misconception that Africans do not like paying bills.
She emphasized the importance of timely payments to avoid misunderstandings between consumers and service providers.
According to Mrs. Brown, the law requires postpaid meters to be replaced with prepaid meters, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) gives a two-week ultimatum to settle debts.
She encouraged consumers to pay bills on time to avoid disconnections and penalties.
In addition, Mrs. Brown explained that ECG allows consumers to spread debt payments over three months for convenient payment.
PURC also assists with debt restructuring for consumers who are struggling to pay their bills.
Regarding the installation of prepaid meters, Mrs. Brown clarified that the installers are contracted workers, not ECG staff, and deductions are scheduled with consumers in installment plans. She advised consumers to visit any ECG or PURC office for further clarification.
Mrs. Brown also highlighted PURC’s regulatory role in ensuring smooth operations for ECG and water companies.
She emphasized the importance of verifying workers’ ID cards before allowing them to operate, and to report any refusal to provide ID cards.
By paying bills on time and seeking assistance when needed, consumers can avoid unnecessary disconnections and penalties, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services.