Provide load shedding timetable-CPA tells PURC

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) is calling on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to ensure that consumers are provided with a timetable following the recent erratic power supply in the country.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chief Executive of the CPA Kofi Kapito. The statement called on the PURC face reality and provide a timetable for the current power challenges the country is facing. It said it was time for the PURC "to wake up from its slumber and demand with immediate effect a timetable for the current load shedding and the timelines into which the load shedding will end from the service providers so as to enable consumers to plan and adjust to the situation."

The agency said it has observed the trend of power supply for some months and was expecting the PURC and other stakeholders involved to act promptly to avoid creating inconveniences for consumers.

President John Mahama recently insisted that the country is not back to the protracted energy crisis, popularly referred to as ‘Dumsor’.

“We are not declaring load shedding; I believe things will normalise but we are taking steps every day to ensure that Ghana has security when it comes to power”, the president said.

But the statement after admitting the efforts being made by the government to improve the situation said consumers had been left to their fate since there is no information available as to when the power challenges will end.

“It is the mandate of the PURC to see that timetable is provided during this unfortunate situation. We are also asking government to allow technocrats to speak on these matters instead of politicians. Consumers are not asking so much; all we seeking for are equity and fairness,” the statement added.