PURC to crack whip on slacking service providers

President Akufo-Addo has asked the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission, PURC, not to hesitate to sanction any Public Utility Service Provider who fails to adhere to rules and regulations.

Inaugurating a Nine-Member Board for the PURC, at the Flagstaff House, President Akufo-Addo said the board should not succumb to any form of pressure or control by any authority as it is an independent body.

He said while government works on clearing the energy sector debts by the first quarter of 2018, the Commission must endeavour to protect the interest of consumers.

The Board has Michael Opam as Chairman. The members are Maame Dufie Ofori, Ismael Edjekumhene, Dr. Yaw Adu Gyamfi and Daniel Owusu Koranteng.

The rest are Ebo Quargrine, Professor Joe Amoako Tuffour, Emmanuel Sector and Dora Oppong.

President Akufo-Addo indicated that the PURC has the mandate to among other things regulate activities of utility service providers, examine and approve rates chargeable for services and protect the interest of consumers.

He however bemoaned the fact that the public sees the PURC as defendants of service providers rather than consumers.

He tasked the board to change this perception and work assiduously to provide cost effective utility to the public.

The Chairman of the Board, Michael Opam who is an Energy Expert expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them.

He said the board will ensure that debts accrual in the energy sector are avoided.