By Austin Agyenim Boateng
The Bono Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced significant progress in its regulatory operations for the first half of 2025. Through a series of strategic interventions and stakeholder engagements, the office has enhanced service delivery, consumer protection, and utility accountability across the region.
According to the Commission, its efforts resulted in a total recovery of GHS 850,840.71 for the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and consumer adjustments amounting to GHS 43,282.27, reflecting PURC’s growing role in ensuring fairness and accountability in the utilities sector.
A key milestone recorded during the period was the regularization of 5,747 unregistered Self-Help Electrification Programme (SHEP) meters, which generated additional revenue of GHS 6,458,418 for NEDCo.
Efficient Complaint Resolution
The Commission received a total of 800 complaints from consumers within the Bono Region during the mid-year, of which 96.5% were successfully resolved. This high resolution rate reflects PURC’s commitment to consumer protection and satisfaction.
Improvements in Power Quality and Infrastructure
The region witnessed significant improvements in power stability as a result of targeted utility interventions. These included transformer upgrades, system injections, and the replacement of 27 faulty poles, contributing to a more stable and reliable power supply during the period under review.
Intensified Consumer Engagement and Awareness
In its bid to enhance public awareness, the PURC Bono Regional Office engaged 2,259 consumers through 44 targeted educational programs. These outreach efforts included the distribution of 1,825 informative flyers and the resolution of 173 consumer complaints during the engagements.
Strategic Educational and Regulatory Campaigns
The Commission also spearheaded a number of forward-looking initiatives, including:
Strategic stakeholder meetings with utility service providers.
Quarterly themed campaigns such as “Regulatory Relevance” and “Enhancing Consumer Engagement on Billing and Metering.”
Social media campaigns like “Regulatory Bites” and “Ma Wa Ni Nda Ho,” which helped to demystify regulatory policies and promote consumer rights.
Completed Utility Infrastructure Projects by NEDCo
As part of infrastructure enhancements, NEDCo, under regulatory oversight, completed the following key projects:
- Six transformer injections at a cost of GHS 2,124,605.00.
- Ninety-five pole replacements costing GHS 672,000.00.
- Eight substation installations or upgrades, valued at GHS 206,800.00.
The Bono PURC Regional Manager, Patrick Antwi, emphasized that the Commission remains focused on strengthening its regulatory framework, deepening consumer education, and ensuring service providers deliver value to the Ghanaian people.
The Bono PURC Office’s performance in the first half of 2025 positions it as a leading advocate for quality utility services and consumer protection in the country
