The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) convened an emergency meeting on May 23, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders—the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo). The meeting aimed to address the persistent electricity supply challenges and unplanned outages affecting various parts of the country.
This high-stakes gathering was prompted by mounting consumer complaints and PURC’s ongoing monitoring of the electricity supply situation. The objective was clear: to identify the root causes of the disruptions, evaluate the operational challenges faced by service providers, and map out immediate and long-term solutions to stabilize the national grid.
PURC Reaffirms Commitment to Consumer Protection
Dr. Shafic Suleman, the Executive Secretary of PURC, underscored the Commission’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding consumer interests. “The frequent and prolonged outages are unacceptable. This meeting represents a critical effort to ensure accountability and resolve these issues swiftly,” he stated. Dr. Suleman further emphasized that the Commission is determined to uphold utility service standards and maintain public trust in the sector.
Stakeholder Presentations Highlight Complex Challenges
Representatives from GRIDCo, ECG, and NEDCo provided in-depth briefings, shedding light on a range of technical and operational hurdles. These include:
Inadequate Bulk Supply Points (BSPs): Leading to an inability to handle increasing electricity demand.
System Overloads: Straining key components and resulting in frequent outages.
Tampering with Infrastructure: Vandalism and illegal connections destabilizing the grid.
Environmental Factors: Overgrown vegetation and adverse weather conditions causing disruptions.
Actionable Measures and Accountability
Following the discussions, PURC issued directives requiring the utility companies to submit detailed reports within a stipulated timeframe. These reports must outline:
1. Immediate steps to mitigate the current challenges.
2. Comprehensive plans to prevent future occurrences.
3. Strategies for improving public communication during outages to foster transparency and trust.
The Commission also emphasized the enforcement of performance standards, warning against non-compliance.
Call to Action for Consumers
Dr. Suleman encouraged consumers to remain vigilant and report service delivery issues promptly. “Consumers are key stakeholders in this process. Their feedback helps us hold utility providers accountable and ensures continuous improvement,” he noted.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The PURC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the ongoing situation and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance the reliability of electricity supply nationwide. By aligning the efforts of all involved parties, the Commission aims to create a resilient energy sector capable of meeting the growing demands of Ghana’s economy and its people.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
