Mrs. Pamela Naa Aku Shika Brown, Public Relations Officer for the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has addressed a common misconception that Africans do not like paying utility bills.
She clarified that the most common issue is late payment of bills and emphasized the importance of timely payments, explaining that this would prevent misunderstandings between consumers and service providers.
Speaking on Fawe FM, Mrs. Brown stated that the law requires postpaid meters to be replaced with prepaid meters and that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) gives consumers a two-week ultimatum to settle any outstanding debts.
She explained that ECG allows consumers to spread debt payments over three months for easier repayment, adding that “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 that deductions are scheduled with consumers through installment plans.
She further urged customers to verify workers’ identification cards before allowing them to proceed and to report any instances where workers refuse 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,” she said.
