The Bono Regional Office of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has successfully integrated 2,036 Self-Help Electrification Project (SHEP) meters into the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) billing system. This crucial intervention is set to substantially improve revenue mobilization and reduce commercial losses within the power distribution network.
This integration is a direct result of sustained collaboration and engagement between the PURC and regulated providers, particularly NEDCo and Ghana Water Limited (GWL). The move addresses a long-standing issue of unbilled electricity consumption, which has historically contributed to financial inefficiencies for power distributors. By bringing these meters into the formal billing system, NEDCo can accurately charge for electricity consumed, thereby strengthening its financial health.
This development fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of improving public utility efficiency and financial sustainability. The government has consistently emphasized the need for state-owned enterprises, especially in the energy sector, to become more self-reliant and reduce reliance on government subsidies. Accurate billing and revenue collection are fundamental to achieving this goal, contributing to overall fiscal stability and reducing the burden on public finances. The ongoing infrastructure investments also align with national development plans to expand access to reliable electricity.
The report from the Bono PURC also highlights significant infrastructure development. So far in 2026, 33 transformer injection projects have been executed at a total cost of GHS 4.77 million. These projects are part of 45 planned interventions for the year, marking a significant step in enhancing electricity supply reliability across the Bono and Ahafo Regions. Additionally, 263 high-tension and low-voltage poles have been replaced at a cost of GHS 989,000, and 15 transformers upgraded with an investment of GHS 120,600. These actions are designed to strengthen network stability and improve service quality for consumers.
A major ongoing project includes the upgrade of a 10MVA power transformer to a 20MVA unit at the Berekum Primary Substation. Civil works for this upgrade, along with transformer injections in communities like Asuakwa, Kyeremasu, and Dumasua, have been completed. These upgrades will significantly boost electricity supply capacity in the affected areas. The PURC also intensified its regulatory oversight through strategic engagements with NEDCo, focusing on addressing quality-of-service concerns raised by electricity consumers in the Bono and Ahafo Regions.
On the water front, the Commission undertook a critical inspection of Ghana Water Limited’s Abesim headworks following persistent complaints of water shortages in the Sunyani Municipality. The inspection revealed rising turbidity levels in raw water sources as a key challenge affecting production and distribution. In a separate intervention, the PURC launched an investigation into an underground cable fault at the Berekum Control Room, which had disrupted power supply. The visit facilitated swift corrective action, including the installation of a new breaker, with contractors observed working on-site to restore stability to the network.
Through direct engagement and enforcement, the Commission facilitated the replacement of 485 faulty meters for customers at a cost of GHS 1.54 million. This significantly improved billing accuracy and customer satisfaction. Performance indicators from the utilities also reflect notable improvements. Ghana Water Limited recorded a 97% revenue collection rate at mid-year, while NEDCo achieved a 96.65% collection rate. The PURC attributes these figures to enhanced monitoring and customer engagement strategies.
To deepen community outreach, the Commission spearheaded 95 public education engagements across the region. These engagements aimed at sensitizing consumers on their rights and responsibilities. Meanwhile, Ghana Water Limited has rolled out an innovative Low-Income Customer Support Department (LICSD). This initiative is designed to strengthen service delivery in underserved urban communities. It leverages local leadership structures, including assembly members and opinion leaders, and has already benefited over 600 consumers by improving access to safe and affordable water.
On the electricity front, more than 5,000 new service connections have been completed. NEDCo has also introduced an online application system to streamline the connection process and enhance customer convenience. These interventions underscore the Bono PURC’s commitment to ensuring efficient, reliable, and consumer-focused utility services. They also demonstrate the commission's dedication to holding service providers accountable to regulatory standards. The continued focus on revenue collection and infrastructure development will be crucial for the long-term viability of Ghana's utility sector.