The Energy Minister Dr John Jinapor has called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to intensify its scrutiny of the Electricity Company of Ghana’s commercial performance, warning that ECG’s ability to collect revenue is critical to the financial stability of the entire energy sector.
Speaking at the commissioning of a new PURC office, the Minister singled out ECG as the most critical utility within the sector’s financial value chain and urged the regulator to pay closer attention to its commercial operations.
“Intensify scrutiny of all the utilities, particularly their commercial performance,” he said.
He added: “When I say this, I zero down on ECG because ECG is the key link when it comes to the financial value chain of the energy sector.”
According to him, the ability of other players in the electricity supply chain to receive payment ultimately depends heavily on revenues collected by ECG.
“If they don’t get the money, it will be difficult to pay,” he warned.
The Minister therefore urged PURC to strengthen regulation and enforcement across the utility sector, even where tougher action may attract resistance.
“We are making significant progress, but I would urge you to strengthen the regulation of your sector,” he said.
“I know sometimes, as you strengthen the enforcement, you step on toes, but you have to step on some toes sometimes to ensure that you achieve your objective.”
The call places ECG’s revenue mobilisation and commercial performance firmly at the centre of efforts to improve the financial health of Ghana’s power sector.
The Minister also encouraged PURC to deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen its visibility among consumers and support industrial competitiveness as government rolls out the 24-hour economy programme.
By Nable Crosby Annan
