The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has convened an emergency meeting with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) following widespread complaints from consumers about the rapid depletion of prepaid electricity units after the latest tariff adjustment under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).
In a letter dated February 25, 2026, the Commission stated that it had taken notice of mounting media reports and consumer concerns suggesting that the revised tariffs may be impacting prepaid balances more significantly than expected.
“Given the regulatory, technical and consumer protection implications, and the potential impact on public confidence in the metering and vending systems, the Commission is convening an emergency meeting,” the letter stated.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 12 noon at the PURC GNAT Office in Accra.
According to the Commission, ECG will be required to provide a detailed technical briefing on how the revised tariffs were implemented within its prepaid vending and metering systems. This includes explanations of any adjustments made to system parameters, configuration settings, or conversion logic as part of the MYTO update.
The Commission has also directed ECG to submit comprehensive data covering vending trends, meter update procedures, and the volume and nature of complaints received from customers since the tariff revision took effect. Additionally, the utility provider is expected to outline measures currently being taken to address the concerns raised by consumers.
PURC further requested a briefing on “immediate technical and communication interventions, where required, to safeguard consumer confidence and regulatory compliance.”
The emergency meeting comes at a time of heightened public frustration, with many consumers alleging that their prepaid credits are being exhausted within days of purchase. Social media platforms and radio discussions have been flooded with complaints, prompting calls for regulatory scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has directed ECG to conduct its own internal investigation into the issue. According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, the Minister has instructed the company to submit a comprehensive report within seven days.
The report is expected to inform further government action as authorities work to address the concerns and restore public trust in Ghana’s prepaid metering system.
The MYTO framework, which periodically adjusts electricity tariffs based on factors such as fuel prices, exchange rates and operational costs, often generates public debate. However, the current wave of complaints has raised concerns about possible technical or implementation challenges.
As regulators and policymakers examine the situation, consumers are awaiting clarity on whether the rapid depletion of units is solely due to tariff changes or if other technical factors may be contributing.
The outcome of the emergency meeting is expected to shape the next steps in ensuring transparency, regulatory compliance, and protection for electricity consumers across the country.
