PURC Donates Computers to UCC Oil and Gas Institute, Steps In Over ECG Billing Row

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has presented 10 desktop computers and two laptops to the Institute for Oil and Gas Studies (IOGS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in a move aimed at bolstering ties between the regulatory body and academic institutions operating within Ghana's energy sector.

The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr Shafic Suleman, handed over the equipment on Thursday, 25 June 2026, describing the gesture as a reflection of the Commission's dedication to supporting policy research and capacity building. UCC's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dennis W. Aheto, welcomed the donation as a timely boost for teaching, research and administration at the Institute.

UCC Raises Alarm Over ECG Billing Disputes

The occasion also served as a platform for UCC officials to table serious concerns about electricity metering and billing problems with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The University's delegation warned that ongoing billing disputes had begun to disrupt academic activities and needed urgent intervention.

A particular source of tension is ECG's proposal to install prepaid meters across more than 700 building units on campus. UCC argued this contradicts an earlier agreement that limited metering upgrades to just 32 critical facilities — an arrangement for which the University had already committed over GH¢2 million. The institution appealed to PURC to shield essential facilities such as libraries, laboratories and administrative offices from both prepaid metering and potential disconnection while the matter is under review.

PURC Promises Thorough and Fair Process

Dr Suleman assured UCC that the Commission would formally write to ECG requesting a suspension of any planned disconnections pending a full review. PURC also announced it would deploy a technical team to examine UCC's billing records and, if necessary, conduct a comprehensive facility-by-facility energy audit to support the reconciliation process. The University was advised to continue making reasonable monthly payments based on its average consumption over the previous 12 months throughout the review period.

The Executive Secretary added that UCC's concerns would be raised at PURC's forthcoming Public Investors' Meeting as part of wider efforts to improve utility service delivery across the country. He acknowledged the reconciliation process could span several weeks or months but pledged that the outcome would be objective and satisfactory to all parties involved.