By Gloria Edinam Atiase
The Eastern Regional office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has embarked on an educational initiative dubbed “Regulatory Insights – The Future of Regulation, Today’s Knowledge” to train utility service providers’ staff across the region on the Commission’s mandate and regulatory requirements.
The programme, led by the Regional Manager of the PURC, Kesewaa Apenteng-Addo, aims to educate service providers on the PURC Consumer Service Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2413). Among other objectives, the exercise seeks to broaden the knowledge of service providers, improve their service delivery and customer satisfaction, and minimize non-compliance risks. It also aims to help service providers align their operations with regulatory standards to enhance efficiency and achieve organisational goals.
So far, staff of the Tafo District offices of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL) have participated in the programme. Participants were taken through the regulatory mandate and establishment of the PURC, its core functions, and the Legislative Instruments governing its activities, with a focus on L.I. 2413. The sessions also emphasised the rights and obligations of both consumers and utility providers.
The exercise, which will continue throughout the year, is expected to cover all districts in the Eastern Region. In June alone, similar sessions will be held in six districts: Asesewa, New Abirem, Asamankese, and Koforidua for ECG; and New Juaben East and West for GWL.
The PURC is primarily responsible for regulating the provision of electricity, water, and natural gas utilities. Its key functions include approving utility rates, protecting the interests of both consumers and providers, monitoring performance standards, promoting fair competition, and resolving complaints related to utility services.
