Residents of Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region are voicing their outrage and frustration over what they describe as unacceptable billing practices by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). These practices, they claim, have caused significant psychological distress and financial burdens.
The core issue lies in the discrepancies between the readings on the power meters installed in homes and businesses and the bills received. Despite the presence of these meters, which are intended to accurately measure consumption, many consumers are being issued what they describe as "outrageous bills" based on predictive or estimated consumption rather than actual usage.
"We are law-abiding citizens and are ready to pay for what we have consumed as recorded by the meters fixed by the company itself," stated a group of concerned consumers. "However, the current billing practices are a blatant violation of our rights and undermine the purpose of metering."
The consumers have outlined several demands aimed at rectifying the situation:
Suspension of Problematic Billing Software: The billing software should be suspended, replaced, or modified to ensure accurate meter readings and billings.
Halt Disconnections Due to Billing Errors: The disconnection of customers with billing errors should cease immediately until the issues are resolved.
Optional Prepaid Meters: Prepaid meters should be optional for those who prefer them.
Audit of Meters: ECG should audit meters in the areas under the Denu ECG jurisdiction, addressing the presence of illegal meters bought from neighbouring countries, which result in significant revenue loss.
Improved Customer Service: Staff at the Denu office should be trained to treat customers with dignity and professionalism.
The residents emphasize that these issues not only cause personal distress but also pose a serious national security threat by eroding public trust and undermining community stability. They urge the ECG to take immediate action to address their concerns and restore fairness and accountability to its billing practices.
"We stand ready to collaborate with ECG to resolve this matter," the statement continued. "However, we will not hesitate to explore all available legal and regulatory avenues to seek justice and accountability."
As the call for justice and accountability gains momentum, the affected consumers hope that their collective voice will prompt the ECG to make the necessary changes to ensure accurate and fair billing practices.
However, the people of Keta and other areas have also been affected by the billing issues and have appealed to the authorities to do something urgently about the situation.
Credit: Ivy Setordjie