The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) Ashanti Regional Office has embarked on an exercise to educate consumers on their rights and obligations under LI 2413, Regulations 3 & 4.
The exercise was to ensure that consumers in the region are aware of their entitlements and responsibilities when dealing with public utilities such as electricity and water service providers.
So far, officials from the PURC Regional Office have engaged residents of Denase, Kyekyewere, Nyameani, Esaase, Ahenkro, Nkwantakese, Abroma, Abijan, Soko, and Amoako communities.
A summary of the rights and obligations of consumers is provided below.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER
As a consumer of water and electricity, you are entitled to connection to a service if you apply within the utility’s concessional area, meet the requirements, and pay for the service.
You have the right to safe, adequate, efficient, reasonable, and non-discriminatory service.
Additionally, you have access to information on procedures for accessing new services, metering and billing, approved tariff schedules, disconnection procedures, interruptions in services, and procedures for seeking redress in the event of a violation of your rights by a public utility.
YOUR OBLIGATIONS AS A CONSUMER
As a consumer, it is your responsibility to pay for services received within the specified period. You are expected to use services for their intended purpose and avoid making illegal connections.
You should not tamper with or damage utility equipment or meters, nor change meter locations.
Furthermore, you should use services in a manner that does not interfere with the supply of services to others and grant utility staff safe and reasonable access to your premises for meter reading and checks, subject to the production of a verifiable identity card. Lastly, you are expected to comply with all relevant laws and regulations affecting services in the country.
The PURC Ashanti Regional Office encouraged all consumers to take advantage of this initiative to learn more about their rights and obligations. By knowing and exercising your rights and fulfilling your obligations, we can work together to ensure reliable and efficient utility services in the region.
By Benjamin Aidoo
