PDS to compensate customers experiencing metre challenges

Power Distribution Services (PDS) has assured electricity users experiencing some challenges with their prepaid metres that the problems will be rectified and those affected will be compensated.

Some consumers have expressed outrage over the billing system of Power Distribution Services (PDS) as well as the ongoing erratic supply of power in some parts of the county.

Those who spoke on the Citi Breakfast Show narrated instances of getting less value for their prepaid top-ups.

Others also complained about losing all their prepaid credits anytime there is a power outage.

But the Director of Public Relations at the Power Distribution Service, William Boateng on the Citi Breakfast Show said that the challenges may be as a result of the shift of customers unto a new system effective July 1, 2019.

He said the areas found to be affected according to PDS’s systems were; Kaneshie, Dansoman, Korle-Bu and Achimota. 

He said those affected will be compensated but some people may need a replacement of their prepaid metres.

“We cannot replace them at a go because of the numbers and so what we decided is that, as and when customers come and they have challenges, and they come and buy then they (will) go and replace the metre,” he said 

“[Their lost credits] will be refunded. I spoke to the director of customer service and measures are in place, we have a master card we can easily identify those who have lost their (credit). It will be refunded I assure you,” he added.

PDS took over operations from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in February 2019.

In June, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced an 11.17 percent increase in tariffs that took effect on July 1, 2019, despite some form of public displeasure.