Asuogyaman: Residents threaten to ditch prepaid metres over billing challenges

Residents of Akosombo Combine, Mangoase, Tuska, Afabeng, Akyease, New Powmu and Ganakpe in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region have threatened to remove all newly installed NEDCo prepaid meters introduced by the Volta River Authority.

The affected communities are also calling on President John Dramani Mahama to establish an independent investigative committee, excluding the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), to probe what they describe as accumulated electricity debts and excessive service charges imposed by the VRA.

Their concerns follow a petition submitted to the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, seeking intervention in a prolonged dispute with the VRA over alleged unfair billing practices and lack of accountability.

Speaking to the media in Akosombo, spokesperson for the concerned residents, Michael Worlanyo, explained that the issue began when the VRA installed electricity meters in the communities that were allegedly not properly calibrated.

According to him, the faulty meters resulted in unusually high electricity bills and mounting debts on customers’ accounts, a situation he claimed was later confirmed by the PURC.

“We are five communities, and the VRA supplies us with electricity. Some postpaid meters were brought to us 12 years ago, but the consumption was unusual, and we petitioned the previous government, and PURC was asked to come and investigate,” he stated.

He added that some residents who previously paid around GH¢250 for electricity saw their bills reduce to about GH¢90 after the meters were replaced.

Mr. Worlanyo further alleged that prepaid meters were later installed without prior notice and came with huge outstanding debts already attached to them.

“Some of us used to pay like GH¢250, 10 years ago, but when the meters were changed, our bills dropped to GH¢90. Prepaid meters were brought to us without our notice. They mounted the metres with huge debts on them. Some people owed over GH¢10,000 according to the new prepaid meters. We are appealing to President Mahama and the Energy Minister to institute an independent body to investigate,” he said.

The residents also accused the PURC of unfair treatment despite its earlier intervention following public demonstrations. According to them, although prepaid meters were replaced for a third time, consumers continue to be charged more than GH¢50 as a service fee whenever they purchase electricity credit.