ECG begins paying GHC1.9m to customers as compensation for system failure

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun compensating over 41,000 customers in parts of Accra affected by a December 2017 system failure that made it difficult for them to purchase electricity credit.

ECG is expected to spend a total of GHC1.9 million in compensations to both residential and non-residential customers affected by the December 3-12, 2017 system failure.

Residential customers in the 0-50 class would be credited with GHC1.74 while those in the 51-300 are expected to get GHC26.97. Those consuming between 301-600 would get GH¢98.30 credit each while those in the 600+ bracket would receive GHC76.64.

Non-residential customers in the 0-300-consumption class are to get GHC20.80 and those in the 301 to 600 brackets GHC108.47 while the rest in the 601+ bracket will receive GHC 1,109.33.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) in January 1, 2018 ordered the ECG to pay the compensation after it was established that ECG violated regulations governing the sector.

“Having investigated the matter, reviewed data submitted by the ECG including correspondence, minutes, incident reports, BOT contract and system documentation, the Commission arrived at the conclusion that there was a violation on the part of the ECG,” a statement from PURC said at the time.

In another statement released Thursday, April 19, PURC said following its order, the ECG has “started compensating the affected BOT prepayment customers in Achimota, Korle-Bu, Dansoman and Kaneshie”.

The PURC said it is keenly monitoring the payment of compensation to the affected customers.

“The Commission is, therefore, encouraging consumers who were affected and have not been duly compensated to contact the ECG for their compensation,” it advised.

It also said any customer who may feel “dissatisfied” with the ECG’s response should make a complaint at the PURC.