These practices, they claim, have caused significant psychological distress and financial burdens.

The core issue lies in the discrepancies between the readings on the power meters installed in homes and businesses and the bills received. Despite the presence of these meters, which are intended to accurately measure consumption, many consumers are being issued what they describe as “outrageous bills” based on predictive or estimated consumption rather than actual usage.

“We are law-abiding citizens and are ready to pay for what we have consumed as recorded by the meters fixed by the company itself,” stated a group of concerned consumers. “However, the current billing practices are a blatant violation of our rights and undermine the purpose of metering.”

The consumers have outlined several demands aimed at rectifying the situation:

Suspension of Problematic Billing Software: The billing software should be suspended, replaced, or modified to ensure accurate meter readings and billings.

Halt Disconnections Due to Billing Errors: The disconnection of customers with billing errors should cease immediately until the issues are resolved.

Optional Prepaid Meters: Prepaid meters should be optional for those who prefer them.

Audit of Meters: ECG should audit meters in the areas under the Denu ECG jurisdiction, addressing the presence of illegal meters bought from neighbouring countries, which result in significant revenue loss.

Improved Customer Service: Staff at the Denu office should be trained to treat customers with dignity and professionalism.

The residents emphasize that these issues not only cause personal distress but also pose a serious national security threat by eroding public trust and undermining community stability. They urge the ECG to take immediate action to address their concerns and restore fairness and accountability to its billing practices.

“We stand ready to collaborate with ECG to resolve this matter,” the statement continued. “However, we will not hesitate to explore all available legal and regulatory avenues to seek justice and accountability.”

As the call for justice and accountability gains momentum, the affected consumers hope that their collective voice will prompt the ECG to make the necessary changes to ensure accurate and fair billing practices.

However, the people of Keta and other areas have also been affected by the billing issues and have appealed to the authorities to do something urgently about the situation.

Source: Ivy Setordjie

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They allege that the erratic and exorbitant billing is not only frustrating but is also causing severe disruptions to their daily lives and collapsing local businesses.

In interviews with several residents, a common sentiment emerged: dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the ECG’s billing system.

Many shared stories of receiving bills far beyond their actual consumption, with some reporting sudden spikes in charges without any explanation or justification.

Emmanuel Gbli, a small business owner in Anloga, expressed his frustration, saying, “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to sustain my business with these outrageous electricity bills. I’ve tried to reason with ECG officials but to no avail. It’s like they don’t care about the impact on us.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Martha, a resident of Keta, who lamented, “We are constantly living in fear of receiving our electricity bills. It’s like a lottery; you never know what amount they’ll come up with next. This uncertainty is suffocating both households and businesses alike.”

Local community leaders have also joined the chorus of complaints, accusing the ECG of insensitivity and neglect. They argue that such billing practices not only undermine the economic stability of the communities but also erode trust in public utilities.

In response to the outcry, officials from the ECG have acknowledged the complaints and promised to investigate the matter. However, residents remain skeptical, citing previous assurances that have yielded little tangible change.

Villa Amore Beach Resort and Aborigines Beach Resort are among many other businesses affected by the high billing of ECG.

Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer of ECG has assured the residents to remain calm as the company rectifies the situation.