The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has issued a stern warning to the general public in the Upper East Region to desist from illegal electricity connections, describing power theft as a crime punishable by law.
Pious Abdullai Ikililu, the Upper East Regional Complaints Officer, emphasized that individuals caught engaging in such practices would face the full force of the law. Mr. Abdullai cautioned that the PURC would not intervene on behalf of individuals arrested for illegal connections by the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).
“During our public education activities, we educate people to desist from power theft—connecting illegally to the service, or having power that NEDCo is not aware of, doing meter bypasses—anything that enables you to use electricity without actually paying for it is a crime,” he said.
Speaking on the Morning Show of sister station Bolga FM, Mr. Abdullai stated that power theft not only undermines the electricity sector but also poses serious concerns for Ghana’s energy supply, including system losses and revenue leakages. He, therefore, advised consumers to use electrical appliances responsibly and pay for their consumption accordingly.
“If you know that you cannot pay for the electricity and you’re using an air-conditioner, why go and buy one? Or if you have an electrical gadget and you know very well that when you use it, you won’t be able to pay the bill—why have it?” he asked.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has also announced an upward adjustment in water and electricity tariffs, effective May 3, 2025. Under the new tariff structure, electricity has increased by 14.75 percent and water by 4.02 percent.
However, speaking on the same show, the Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of PURC, Mohammed Adams Suleimana, justified the rationale behind the recent increment. According to him, the tariff adjustment is not a new development but part of the commission’s quarterly review exercise.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
