Energy Minister Dr John Jinapor has called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to intensify its scrutiny of the commercial performance of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

He says ECG’s ability to mobilise revenue is critical to the financial stability of Ghana’s entire energy sector.

Speaking at the commissioning of a new PURC office, Dr Jinapor described ECG as the most critical utility within the sector’s financial value chain and urged the regulator to pay closer attention to the company’s commercial operations.

According to him, the ability of other players in the electricity supply chain to receive payment depends heavily on the revenues collected by ECG.

The Energy Minister therefore urged PURC to strengthen regulation and enforcement across the utility sector, even if tougher regulatory measures attract resistance.

He said ECG’s revenue mobilisation and commercial performance must remain at the centre of efforts to improve the financial health of the power sector.

Dr Jinapor also encouraged PURC to deepen stakeholder engagement and strengthen its visibility among consumers while supporting industrial competitiveness as government rolls out the 24-hour economy programme.

“Intensify scrutiny of all the utilities, particularly their commercial performance. When I say this, I zero down on ECG because ECG is the key link when it comes to the financial value chain of the energy sector.”

“If they don’t get the money, it will be difficult to pay,” he warned.

“We are making significant progress, but I would urge you to strengthen the regulation of your sector,” he said.

“I know sometimes, as you strengthen the enforcement, you step on toes, but you have to step on some toes sometimes to ensure that you achieve your objective.”