Ghana’s power sector regulator, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has summoned the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over widespread complaints that prepaid electricity units are depleting unusually fast.
The emergency meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, was directed by PURC Executive Secretary Dr. Shafic Suleman, who has requested the presence of ECG’s Managing Director alongside senior technical, commercial, ICT, and customer service officials.
Growing Public Outcry After Tariff Hike
In a formal letter, PURC indicated it had taken note of widespread media reports and public complaints alleging rapid depletion of prepaid units following the January 1, 2026 electricity tariff adjustment under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).
The tariff adjustment, which forms part of the 2026–2030 MYTO framework, saw electricity tariffs increase by 9.86%. The increment was introduced to support long-term investments in Ghana’s electricity infrastructure and improve service delivery.
However, many consumers claim their prepaid credits are running out faster than before the adjustment, sparking national concern and prompting regulatory intervention.
Energy Minister Orders Investigation
The Energy Minister of Ghana has also stepped into the matter, directing ECG to investigate the issue and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.
Through his spokesperson, Richmond Rockson, the Minister assured the public that key institutions, including PURC, the Energy Commission, and the Ministry of Energy, are collaborating to resolve the issue fairly and transparently.
According to the Minister’s office, authorities are determined to “get to the bottom of the matter” and ensure that any anomalies are addressed without bias.
ECG Denies Any Wrongdoing
ECG has strongly denied implementing any unauthorized tariff changes.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, ECG Communications Director William Boateng maintained that the company only applies rates approved by PURC.
“Whatever increment PURC gives us is what is captured in our system. We have not implemented anything beyond that,” he stated.
Boateng suggested that increased electricity consumption, driven by hot weather conditions and the growing use of electrical appliances, may be contributing to the perception of faster depletion.
“When the heat increases, someone can even double the use of cooling appliances. That alone can affect your consumption,” he explained.
Inflation and Tariff Pressures
The controversy comes amid rising energy inflation. Electricity and gas inflation surged from 6.1% year-on-year in December 2025 to 14.8% in January 2026, compounding the financial strain on households and businesses.
Energy analysts say the combination of tariff adjustments and increased consumption patterns during hotter periods may significantly impact prepaid users, especially those in urban centers.
What the February 26 Meeting Will Address
The PURC meeting is expected to:
- Clarify how the MYTO tariff adjustment was integrated into ECG’s prepaid metering system.
- Review any system parameter changes implemented after January 1.
- Assess the scale and nature of consumer complaints.
- Determine corrective or resolution measures, if necessary.
The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for consumer confidence in Ghana’s prepaid electricity system and regulatory oversight in the power sector.
As investigations proceed, consumers await clarity on whether the rapid depletion of prepaid units is linked to system changes, consumption patterns, or tariff recalculations under the MYTO framework.
