By Daniel Donkor
The Bono Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has recorded significant gains in utility regulation and service delivery, following sustained collaboration and engagement with regulated providers, particularly the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and Ghana Water Limited (GWL).
At the heart of the progress is the successful capture of 2,036 Self-Help Electrification Project (SHEP) meters into NEDCo’s billing system, an intervention expected to substantially improve revenue mobilisation and reduce commercial losses within the power distribution network.
The report also highlights a strong push in infrastructure development, with 33 transformer injection projects executed so far in 2026 at a total cost of GH¢4.77 million.
These projects form part of 45 planned interventions for the year, representing a significant milestone in improving electricity supply reliability across the Bono and Ahafo Regions.
In addition, 263 high-tension and low-voltage poles have been replaced at a cost of GH¢989,000, while 15 transformers have been upgraded with an investment of GH¢120,600, moves aimed at strengthening network stability and enhancing service quality for consumers.
A major ongoing project includes the upgrade of a 10MVA to a 20MVA power transformer at the Berekum Primary Substation, alongside transformer injections in communities such as Asuakwa, Kyeremasu, and Dumasua.
Civil works for these projects have been completed, paving the way for improved electricity supply in the affected areas.
The PURC also intensified its regulatory oversight through strategic engagements with NEDCo, focusing on addressing quality-of-service concerns raised by electricity consumers in the Bono and Ahafo Regions.
On the water front, the Commission undertook a critical inspection of the Ghana Water Limited’s Abesim headworks following persistent complaints of water shortages in the Sunyani Municipality. The inspection revealed rising turbidity levels in raw water sources as a key challenge affecting production and distribution.
In a separate intervention, the PURC launched an investigation into an underground cable fault at the Berekum Control Room, which had disrupted power supply to Berekum and surrounding communities. The visit facilitated swift corrective action, including the installation of a new breaker, with contractors observed working on-site to restore stability to the network.
Through direct engagement and enforcement, the Commission facilitated the replacement of 485 faulty meters for customers at a cost of GH¢1.54 million, significantly improving billing accuracy and customer satisfaction.
Performance indicators from the utilities also reflect notable improvements. Ghana Water Limited recorded a 97 per cent revenue collection rate at mid-year, while NEDCo achieved a 96.65 per cent collection rate figures the PURC attributes to enhanced monitoring and customer engagement strategies.
To deepen community outreach, the Commission spearheaded 95 public education engagements across the region, aimed at sensitising consumers on their rights and responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Ghana Water Limited has rolled out an innovative Low-Income Customer Support Department (LICSD), designed to strengthen service delivery in underserved urban communities. The initiative, which leverages local leadership structures including assembly members and opinion leaders, has already benefited over 600 consumers by improving access to safe and affordable water.
On the electricity front, more than 5,000 new service connections have been completed, with NEDCo introducing an online application system to streamline the connection process and enhance customer convenience.
The PURC’s Bono Regional Office says these interventions underscore its commitment to ensuring efficient, reliable, and consumer-focused utility services, while holding service providers accountable to regulatory standards.
