PURC engages ECG on rapid prepaid electricity usage

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has summoned the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to an emergency meeting in response to mounting public complaints and media reports about the rapid depletion of prepaid electricity units following the latest tariff review.

The concerns surfaced shortly after the revised rates under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) took effect, with several consumers claiming their prepaid credits were depleting faster than anticipated. The development has sparked public debate and raised questions about the integrity of the metering and vending systems.

In a letter dated February 25, 2026, the Commission said it had taken note of allegations that prepaid units were being consumed more quickly than expected following the implementation of the new tariffs.

“Given the regulatory, technical and consumer protection implications, and the potential impact on public confidence in the metering and vending systems, the Commission is convening an emergency meeting,” the letter stated.

The meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the PURC GNAT Office in Accra.

According to the Commission, discussions will focus on a “comprehensive technical briefing on the implementation of the revised tariff within the prepaid vending and metering architecture.” ECG is also expected to provide details on any review of system parameters, configuration adjustments, or conversion logic changes carried out in connection with the MYTO implementation.

Additionally, the power distributor is required to present data on vending patterns since the tariff adjustment, outline meter update procedures, and give a breakdown of the scale and nature of consumer complaints received so far. The company will further brief the Commission on measures being taken to address the concerns.

The Commission has also requested a presentation on “immediate technical and communication interventions, where required, to safeguard consumer confidence and regulatory compliance.”

The emergency meeting highlights the regulator’s effort to ensure transparency and maintain public trust in Ghana’s electricity pricing and prepaid metering systems amid the ongoing tariff adjustments.