drinking water safety plans - purc...water safety plan (wsp) an approach that takes into account the...
TRANSCRIPT
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
March 2012 Regu-Letter
Drinking Water Safety Plans
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Termination of Service
Procedure
PURC Drinking Water
Safety Plans
Water Treatment Basics
Common Causes of
Power Outages
Tariffs
Staff News
Devotional Corner
ICT Tips
Health Corner
Jokes Corner
EDITORIAL – INDEPENDENCE OF THE
COMMISSION
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission was
established by an Act of Parliament, the Public Utili-
ties Regulatory Commission Act 1997(Act 538).
Why was the Commission established? According to
Act 538 it was established to regulate and oversee
the provision of utility services in the country and
also ensure the development and delivery of the
highest quality of service to consumers of water and
electricity.
This same Act indicates that “The Commission shall
not be subject to the direction or control of any per-
son or authority in the performance of its functions”.
Meaning the Commission is Independent.
The question may be asked is the Commission truly
“Independent”? Is it really insulated from all the
forces and controls that are at play in the provision
and delivery of Utility Services in the country?
The Independence of the Commission is very para-
mount because as a Regulator we need to look at all
competing demands of the Consumer, the Utility
Service Provider as well as all stakeholders in the
sector.
An institution which has to play such a delicate bal-
ancing role like the PURC cannot take its Independ-
ence for granted at all. Transparency, Equity and
Fairness are the hallmarks of the Commission which
the Commission intends to adhere to without any
compromise.
The Independence of the Commission is overriding
and cannot be undermined but consultations with our
various stakeholders on the issues that confront the
Commission in the discharge of its duties are key.
Page 1
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
The Commission is not an island neither does it
exist in a vacuum. Whatever we do in terms of
carrying out our mandate impinges on the national
good and it must be done with inputs from all inter-
ested parties.
In the process of consultation with the view to pro-
moting transparency it would be unfortunate if the
picture is painted that the Commission is not Inde-
pendent at all. We all adhere to Laws and Acts that
have been enacted by governing bodies and the Act
that set up the Commission states clearly that the
Commission is Independent and there should not be
any dispute on this matter.
In the discharge of its duties the Commission would
continue to take decisions that are in the interest of
all stakeholders and also ensure that there is equity
and fairness in everything that we do.
Our Independence would be guarded jealously
because it is from whence that we can take deci-
sions that are credible and sustainable considering
and protecting all stakeholder interests.
With God in our hearts and with our dear country
in mind it is hoped that all stakeholders would help
the Commission to uphold its Independence devoid
of fear, favor, or influence.
Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah - Editor
INTRODUCTION
Public Utilities (Termination of Service)
Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1651).
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commis-
sion (PURC) has issued regulations which
rationalize and clearly spell out procedures
governing termination of service to con-
sumers of utility services pursuant to the
Commission’s powers under Act 538.
SUMMARY OF REGULATIONS
What are the Grounds for Termination of Service?
1. A public utility may terminate service if a consumer :
Fails to pay for bills for the service used for more than
twenty-eight days from the date of demand of payment;
Defaults on an agreed payment schedule for the service;
Defaults on an agreed payment schedule for the installation
of service;
Tampers or interferes with a meter or a public utility equip-
ment or permits any person to damage any of the utility’s
installation or equipment;
Illegally connects the service or allows the service to be
used in such a manner as to interfere with the supply to
others;
Uses a service which was legally connected in unautho-
rized manner;
Refuses to allow a public utility employee to read a meter
or check utility equipment when the public utility em-
ployee has followed the prescribed procedure for obtaining
access; or
Requests the termination himself;
2. A public utility may also terminate service it provides to a
consumer where any part of the apparatus or equipment con-
nected with supply to the premises of the consumer become de-
fective or unsafe and disconnection become necessary for main-
tenance or repairs.
TERMINATION OF SERVICE PROCEDURE
Page 2
Regu-Letter
The Regulations, known as Public
Utilities (Termination of Service)
Regulations, 1999 (L.I.1651) came
into force on March 15, 1999 after
due Parliamentary process.
2. When is Termination Prohibited?
A public utility cannot terminate the service of a consumer where:
a) The consumer has lodged a complaint with the public utility in
respect of a disputed bill and has paid or continues to pay a reason-
able amount;
b) A complaint in respect of a disputed bill or meter reading is
under investigation by the Commission and the consumer has paid,
or continues to pay, a reasonable amount; or
c) An unpaid bill is in the name of a previous occupant or owner
and the current occupant of the premises did not use the service for
which he or she has been billed.
3. Termination Notice
1. Generally, no public utility is to discontinue its service to a
consumer unless it gives the consumer a written notice of
termination of at least fourteen (14) days before the date for
termination of the service.
2. Exceptions to the above rule are:
A public utility may terminate a service without notice if the pub-
lic utility finds that the service is been obtained by the consumer
illegally or through tampered equipment, and the public utility:-
Stephen N. Adu - Executive Secretary
Page 3
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
i) Has evidence that the condition was not inherited or that
the consumer knew, or should have known, that he or she was
not being fully billed for the service; or
ii) Has presented a written estimated bill for the service to a
person at the premises and given notice that it will continue
the service but the notice may include a requirement for an
immediate payment of 50 percent of the bill.
REGULATIONS ON TERMINATION OF SERVICE
A public utility may also terminate a service without notice
where the apparatus or equipment connected with supply to the
premises of the consumer becomes defective or unsafe and the
disconnection is necessary for maintenance or repair. A notice
to terminate a service may be printed on the bill of the con-
sumer.
4. At what times may Service be Terminated?
A public utility may terminate the service to a consumer only
between the hours of 8:00a.m and 5:00p.m from Monday to
Thursday in the week except that no termination shall be ef-
fected:
On a public holiday;
At a time when the public utility is aware or ought to be
aware that there is an issue of safety to people, animals or
property; or
During emergency situation on or related to the premises
of the consumer.
However, a public utility may terminate a service between
the hours of 8:00a.m and 5:00p.m on Fridays provided the
public utility has facilities for reconnection on Saturdays.
Special Protection for Residential Consumers
Special protection applies in the following cases:
Where there is failure to pay a bill for services provided to a
consumer and the public utility is aware that the consumer
and all adults living with him or her:-
Are of the age of 65 years or above; or
Are blind or disabled
The public utility must contact the consumer and endeavor to
agree on a payment arrangement with the consumer except that
where such an arrangement cannot be arrived at or made, the
public utility must continue to provide the service for a further
period of thirty days from the date on any scheduled disconnec-
tion.
At the end of the 30 days, the public utility must serve written
notice on the owner or occupant of the premises and wait for at
least seven days before terminating the service.
Where a doctor issues a certificate that a medical emergency
exists which will be aggravated by the lack of a utility service,
that public utility must continue to provide the service to the
consumer for 30 days from the date of any scheduled disconnec-
tion.
A doctor’s certificate as described above may be renewed for an
additional thirty (30) days if the doctor explains why the lack of
service would aggravate the medical emergency and the con-
sumer has sufficiently demonstrated his inability to pay the bill.
At the end of the first 30 days or the renewal period, the public
utility shall serve written notice on the owner or occupier of the
premises and wait for at least seven days before terminating the
service.
Special Protection for Non-Residential Consumers
1. Special protection against termination also applies where
premises are used as a hospital, health care facility, old per-
sons home, residential school or institution which provides
care for disabled persons who are dependent or mentally
retarded and there is failure to pay for the service provided.
2. The public utility is required to contact the consumer and
endeavor to agree on a payment arrangement with the con-
sumer.
If no agreement is reached on such arrangement, the public
utility must continue to provide service for 30 days from the
date of any scheduled disconnection.
At the end of the 30-day period, the public utility must serve
written notice on a principal officer of the institution who owns
or occupies the premises before terminating the service.
Introduction
Water suppliers and for that matter the GWCL and
its subsidiary Ghana Urban Water Limited
(GUWL) have a duty of care to persons utilizing
the water or service that they supply. There must
be an effective way of ensuring that water supply
is safe for human consumption and that it meets
the health based standards and other regulatory
requirements. In Ghana standards for drinking
water had been developed by the Ghana Standards
Authority based on the Guidelines for Drinking
Water Quality by the World Health Organization
(WHO).
Water Safety Plan (WSP)
An approach that takes into account the entire
supply chain of the drinking water delivery from
“catchment to tap” was further developed by the
WHO and the International Water Association
(IWA). By this approach called the Water Safety
Plan needed commitment of all stakeholders in the
management of drinking water quality from
Catchment to Tap is highlighted. The PURC took
the lead in the WSP approach in Ghana with
stakeholders such as the Ghana Water Company
Limited, Environmental Protection Agency, Water
Resources Commission (WRC) and Consumer
Associations using the Weija Water Treatment
Plant as a Pilot. The advantage of the WSP is that
it is applicable to ensuring the safety of water in
all types of water supply systems no matter their
size or complexity.
Maintaining the Quality of Drinking Water from Catchment to the
Consumer’s Tap : Nii Okai Kotei
Page 4
Weija Pilot
With the Weija Pilot Programme, the WSP was
able to identify the hazards in the catchment, at the
treatment works, in the distribution system and on
consumers’ premises. Action plan that came out of
the Weija Pilot include the following
The clean-up of the catchment to prevent fur-
ther pollution
Improved supply situation regarding chlorine
for disinfection
Active leakage control in the distribution sys-
tem
Public education programmes on water hy-
giene.
With the Weija Pilot on WSP, an Inspectors’ Man-
ual had been developed with active participation of
the Ghana Water Company Limited. The manage-
ment of GWCL initiated the development of
WSP’s for its water systems. More education on
WSP is needed at all levels of the Water Supply
chain. This includes the commitment of top man-
agement of the utility.
Way Forward
Global push for WSP via International Workshops
should be pursued. PURC, GWCL, WRC had
participated in some training workshops organized
by the IWA. The PURC will continue its lead role
like other Regulators around the world.
Regu-Letter
Most of us who are privileged to get water from
our taps when we open them never imagine the
process the water had been through from the
source which most likely is a River, lake or
perhaps even a borehole to get to the stage that
we can confidently fill our receptacles to per-
form various domestic chores like washing,
cooking bathing and drinking. Of course not all
of us are fortunate to have water flowing
through our taps but that notwithstanding, we
all depend on some vendor or someone else for
clean potable water.
Before water gets to the final consumer it had
gone through a series of processes to get it
treated to make it wholesome for human con-
sumption. The physical, chemical as well as the
bacteriological characteristics of the raw water
needs to be modified to make it suitable for
consumption. Conventional water treatment
involves four (4) basic processes, namely: floc-
culation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfec-
tion.
Water Treatment: The Basics: Kwabena Adusei
Page 5
Regu-Letter
Flocculation
Flocculation is a process which clarifies the
water. Clarifying means removing any
turbidity or colour so that the water is clear
and colourless. Clarification is done by caus-
ing a precipitate to form in the water which
can be removed using simple physical meth-
ods. This is usually achieved by using chemi-
cals to aid the process. The most commonly
used chemical is Aluminum Sulphate
(Alum). Initially the precipitate forms as very
small particles but as the water is gently
stirred, these particles stick together to form
bigger particles.
Sedimentation
Waters exiting the flocculation basin enter
the sedimentation basin. The sedimentation
basin is a large tank with slow flow, allowing
particles to settle to the bottom. The sedimen-
tation basin is best located close to the floc-
culation basin so the transit between does not
permit settlement or particle break up. Sedi-
mentation basins may be rectangular, where
water flows from end to end or circular
where flow is from the centre outward. The
amount of particles that settles out of the
water is dependent on basin retention time
and on basin depth. A deep basin will allow
more particles to settle out than a shallow
basin. This is because large particles settle
faster than smaller ones, so large particles
collide with and integrate smaller particles as
they settle. In effect, large particles sweep
vertically through the basin and clean out
smaller particles on their way to the bottom.
Filtration
After separating most particles, the water is
filtered as the final step to remove remaining
suspended particles and unsettled particles.
The most common type of filter is a rapid
gravity sand filter.
Water Cycle
Water moves vertically through sand which
often has a layer of coarse gravel below the
sand. The space between sand particles is
larger than the smallest suspended particles,
so simple filtration is not enough. Most parti-
cles pass through surface layers but are
trapped in pore spaces or adhere to sand par-
ticles. Effective filtration extends into the
depth of the filter. This property of the filter
is key to its operation: if the top layer of sand
were to block all the particles, the filter
would quickly clog.
To clean the filter, water is passed quickly
upward through the filter, opposite the nor-
mal direction (called backwashing) to remove
embedded particles. Prior to this, compressed
air may be blown up through the bottom of
the filter to break up the compacted filter
media to aid the backwashing process; this is
known as air scouring.
Disinfection
Water is disinfected to kill
any pathogens which pass through the filters
and to provide a residual dose of disinfectant
to kill or inactivate potentially harmful micro
-organisms in the storage and distribution
systems. Disinfection is accomplished both
by filtering out harmful micro-organisms and
also by adding disinfectant chemicals. Fol-
lowing the introduction of any chemical dis-
infecting agent, the water is usually held in
temporary storage – often called a contact
tank or clear well to allow the disinfecting
action to complete. Chlorine gas and sodium
hypochlorite are the most commonly used
disinfectants which are introduced into the
water as a solution. It is important to main-
tain a level of chlorine residual in the distri-
bution network to take care of possible post-
treatment contamination within the distribu-
tion network.
Page 6
Regu-Letter
Community Sensitization Prior to the Commission’s Pro-poor Water Interventions in Northern Region
A Section of Community Leaders at a Community meeting
with PURC official at Zonlemgu in the Upper East Region
PURC Officials Greeting the Elders in Zomlemgu in the Upper
East Region
Interacting with some Officials of the Ghana Water Company
Limited (GWCL)
Inspection of some Existing Assets of GWCL
Page 7
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
A GALLERY OF SOME STAKEHOLDER INTERACTIONS
Page 8
Regu-Letter
WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATIONS IN ANYINAM & BEGORO
Page 9
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
DRINKING WATER SAFETY
How to Drain Your Water Storage Tanks
Page 10
Regu-Letter
COMMON CAUSES OF POWER
OUTAGES : Eric Effah-Donyina (PhD)
All electricity consumers desire nearly uninterrupted power
supply at the appropriate voltage and frequency levels. When
this does not happen, it denies consumers of various forms of
social convenience associated with the use of electricity. It
also causes financial losses on both demand and supply sides,
with extended adverse implications on socio-economic devel-
opment and security issues nationwide. Frequency and dura-
tion of power outages differ amongst the various geographi-
cal regions of the world and amongst countries within a par-
ticular region of the world. Outages may result from any of
the three main segments of the Electricity Supply Industry
(ESI), namely generation, transmission and distribution.
Outages resulting from the generation segments of the
Electricity Supply Industry
When total capacity of the set of generation equipment of an
ESI is less than total active demand on the network, or when
one or more units in the set of generation equipment with
significant share in the total generation capacity fail unex-
pectedly, the system operators would have to resort to load
shedding or power rationing for as long as it takes to bring
back the failed equipment back on-line. The process of load
shedding is usually planned, and in most cases executed
strictly according to programmes set out by the system opera-
tor. Under such circumstances, power rationing is necessary
to maintain supply at the appropriate voltage and frequency.
When this is not done it could have serious negative effects
on vital supply infrastructure such as power and energy trans-
formers with potential failures of large sections of the infra-
structure.
In ESIs with adequate generation capacity, any unexpected
and significant decline in the supply of fuels (in the case of
thermal, nuclear and biomass plants) would, in many cases
result in reduction in generation capacity. In hydro sys-
tems, significant drops in water inflow into reservoirs as a
result of below-average rainfall or some other environ-
mental malfunction would, in many cases, reduce genera-
tion capacity.
When load or demand on the system is significantly higher
than output at the generation segment it is likely to cause
imbalances in frequency of transmission. This could cause
failure of sections or the entire system.
Whenever managers of the generation segment and system
operators of the ESI have the chance to predict occurrence
of any of the above conditions they take measures to pre-
vent it, or reduce its impact on consumers. They do this by
procuring the deficit in supply from other sources, if they
are immediately available.
Outages resulting from transmission segments of the
ESI
Outages resulting from the transmission segments of an
ESI may occur if transmission lines or towers fall due to
adverse weather conditions, or when falling trees bring
down a line and when devices protecting the lines fail. Bad
environmental practices along transmission lines, includ-
ing sand winning and illegal mining around civil structures
of transmission lines are other reasons transmission sys-
tems may fail. Failure of transformers within the transmis-
sion system can also cause outages. Some major mainte-
nance or repairs may require sections of a distribution net-
work to be taken off. Protective devices of transmission
lines may also shut a line down temporarily when transient
faults occur, in order to prevent more serious faults that
could cause longer and widespread outages. Cont .... on
page 13.
Page 11
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
Tariff Category Effective 1st March, 2012
BGC VRA - (GHp/kWh) 8.4495
GC Asogli- (GHp/kWh) 16.3885
Composite BGC- VRA & Asogli (GHp/kWh) 10.0943
Tariff Category
Effective 1st March, 2012
TSC (GHp/kWh)* 2.4842
Tariff Category
Effective March 2012 Billing Cycle
DSC (GHp/kWh) 9.7564
Tariff Category Effective March 2012 Billing Cycle
Residential 0-50 (Exclusive) (GHp/kWh) ** 51-300 (GHp/kWh) 301 – 600 (GHp/kWh) 601+ (GHp/kWh)
9.5000 17.5785
22.8135
25.3483
Non-Residential 0-300 (GHp/kWh) 301 – 600 (GHp/kWh) 601+ (GHp/kWh) Service Charge (GHp/month)
25.2712
26.8912
42.4309
275.5300
Tariff Category Effective March 2012 Billing Cycle
SLT-LV Max. Demand (GHp/kVA/month) Energy Charge (GHp / kWh) Service Charge (GHp / month)
1542.9400 26.3402
1102.2100
SLT-MV Max. Demand (GHp/kVA/month) Energy Charge (GHp / kWh) Service Charge (GHp / month)
1322.5200 20.3889
1542.9400 SLT-HV
Max. Demand (GHp/kVA/month) Energy Charge (GHp / kWh) Service Charge (GHp / month)
1322.5200 18.7357
1542.9400 SLT-HV MINES
Max. Demand (GHp/kVA/month) Energy Charge (GHp / kWh) Service Charge (GHp / month)
1542.9400 29.7567
1542.9400
SECOND SCHEDULE
FOUR SCHEDULE
THIRD SCHEDULE
FIRST SCHEDULE
Page 12
Regu-Letter
DEFINITIONS
BGC Bulk Generation Charge GC Generation Charge
TSC Transmission Service Charge
DSC Distribution Service Charge
SLT-LV Special Load Tariff – Low Voltage
SLT-MV Special Load Tariff – Medium Voltage
SLT – HV Special Load Tariff – High Voltage
kWh Kilowatt-Hour
kVA Kilovolt Ampere
AAF Automatic Adjustment Formula
PURC-APPROVED GWCL/GUWL WATER TARIFF
Category of Service Monthly Consumption (1000 Litres)
Approved Rates in GHp/ 1000 Litres Effective 1st March 2012 Billing Cycle
Metered Domestic 0-20
21 and above
Commercial/Industrial Flat Rate Public Institutions /Govt. Departments Flat Rate
85.2600
127.8100
181.6800
163.9600
Unmetered Premises-Flat rate per house per month Premises without connection (Public stand pipes) per 1000 litres
554.9300
84.2900
Special Commercial per 1000 litres
516.6400
NOTE:
Special Commercial refers to bulk customers who use GWCL treated water as the main raw material for bottling water for resale.
* The TSC of GHp 2.4842/KWh includes a regulatory levy of GHp 0.2179/ KWh of electricity transmitted which is payable to the
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission.
** Residential consumption between 0 to 50 units per month will attract a service charge of GHp 100.000.
Page 13
Regu-Letter
Outages resulting from distribution segments of an
Electricity Supply Industries (ESI)
Causes of power outages in this component of the ESI are
many, and include the following:
Adverse weather conditions such as thunder strikes,
could overcome devices protecting vital equipment,
such as sub-stations, if those devices have themselves
weakened at the time of the incident and this condition
had not been detected by the sub-station attendants for
replacement
Some major maintenance or repairs may require sec-
tions of a distribution network to be taken off
Sub-transmission lines going through hostile terrains
may be susceptible to falling trees, vegetative under-
growth, wild fires and bad environmental practices
such as sand winning and illegal mining activities.
Obsolete and or overloaded distribution feeders and
transformers.
Faults in consumer equipment or premises feeding back
into distribution feeders.
Illegal connections by consumers; as such connections
usually do not conform to load monitoring and balanc-
ing on line phases, as planned by distribution engi-
neers.
Tampering with electricity distribution equipment by
unauthorized members of communities, e.g. re-fusing
of blown distribution transformer fuses by self-styled
electricians, stealing of transformer oil and conductors
by village communities.
It is worth noting that non-payment of undisputed elec-
tricity bills and illegal connections, including meter by-
passing will invariably result in disconnection, which
also constitute power cut; and many refuse to see it as
such.
What are the electric utilities and PURC doing to re-
duce power outages to acceptable levels?
Much as power outages cause various forms of losses and
social inconvenience to end users, they also cause signifi-
cant financial loss to the relevant utilities. In this regard,
utilities would do whatever it takes to prevent an outage,
as this effort would serve not only the consumers’ interest,
but that of the utilities as well.
The PURC, having the mandate to regulate the economic
activities as well as monitor standards of performance of
public electric utilities, has, since its establishment, been
monitoring the state and adequacy of capital equipment of
the regulated electric utilities, vital for the provision of
quality services to consumers. Through this process, the
Commission has, over the years, observed the procurement
and installation, as well as plans for the procurement of
facilities by all four public electric utilities, VRA, ECG,
NEDCo and GRIDCo, aimed at improving quality of elec-
tricity supply in the country.
These capital investments have yielded some modest im-
provements in hours lost to consumers due to outages;
voltage of electricity supply has seen significant improve-
ments in many communities over the last few years, while
the future looks brighter in respect of outages as a result of
these investments. This is not to say however, that all is
well with the utilities. The Commission’s records on out-
ages within the entire Ghanaian ESI show that between the
1st Quarter of 2010 and the 4th Quarter of 2011 both system
losses and customer lost hours due to outages in both ur-
ban and rural areas experienced significant fluctuations.
Page 14
Regu-Letter
As part of its mandate and responsibility to protect consumers
and providers of utility services the Commission is in the
process of intensifying monitoring of the capital assets rele-
vant to the provision of quality utility services, as well as the
general operations of the utilities, with the aim of reducing
power outages to the barest minimum in the country.
As a complement to efforts by the regulated electric utilities
and the Commission towards improving quality of electricity
supply in Ghana, consumers are being urged to contribute
their quota by desisting from unpatriotic acts and omissions
with the potential to erode gains made by the Commission and
the electric utilities. These acts and omissions may include
tampering with and or stealing of electricity supply or distri-
bution equipment such as transformers, fuses, conductors, and
energy meters. Others may include illegal connections, illegal
self-reconnections after a customer has been disconnected for
non-payment of undisputed electricity bills and meter by-
passing etc. These activities on the part of consumers contrib-
ute to weakening the financial health of public utilities, reduc-
ing further their ability to procure vital equipment necessary
for improved quality of electricity supply. In other words,
these anti-social activities amount to consumers turning the
lights off by remote control.
Finally, consumers are advised to consciously conserve en-
ergy, as energy conservation is considered by many experts as
probably one of the most effective means of ensuring energy
supply security. The general public, especially communities
living or working along transmission lines are also advised to
desist from bad environmental practices that could affect
safety of transmission lines.
COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY AS A
PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTIONER:
Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah
The starting point for being an outstanding Public Rela-
tions communicator is recognizing that you deliver com-
munications not just through your words, signs or ges-
tures, nor do you deliver just through your body lan-
guage you should also communicate through the way
you think.
You might know people who can easily comment on
other people’s problems but are blind to their own short-
comings. The ability to understand yourself, your own
emotions and know how your mind works is known as
interpersonal skill.
Having a self awareness and understanding of yourself
makes it possible subsequently to develop fully your
interpersonal skills. Your Interpersonal skills is essen-
tially how you can manage your own thinking-the ability
to understand how your thinking works and ultimately
master the voice in your head.
Everybody has an inner voice that creates an internal
dialogue, a self talk, which shapes and progresses their
thinking and communications. This self talk lies at the
heart of your subsequent communications.
If you are unclear, in your mind about how you feel and
understand about an issue, the probability is that your
subsequent communication will reflect this uncertainty
or fail to convince.
The starting point for your journey in understanding and
becoming an outstanding Public Relations communicator
is to examine what shapes your thinking and how it is
manifested in your communications.
Page 15
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
Preamble
The Internal Audit Department heartily wel-
comes the publication of the Reguletter and
sees it as a channel to communicate to staff
about internal audit functions and activities
which are aimed at providing an independent,
objective assurance and consulting activity
aimed at adding value and improving on the
Commission’s ability to achieve its objec-
tives.
The Internal Audit Department in its search
of a maiden topic to publish in this edition,
has chosen to educate and remind staff about
the internal controls measures put in place by
Management in the use and management of
its fleet of official vehicles. The Commission
has had to incur increasing costs under run-
ning cost of vehicles and purchase of fuel
over the years which need to be curtailed.
The following controls are therefore meant to
ensure Economy, Efficiency and Effective-
ness in the use of official vehicles which will
eventually impact on the Commissions ability
to accomplish its mandate.
CONTROLS
Commission vehicles are to be driven by
authorized persons only. Authorized per-
sons refer to a Driver of the Commission,
Senior Managers and any staff who has
the approval of the Executive Secretary or
Director, Finance & Administration to
drive in a particular circumstance or time.
Commission vehicles in the Regional
Offices shall be driven by only the Driv-
ers in the Regions. Regional Managers
will need the approval of the Executive
Secretary or Director, Finance & Admini-
stration to drive the official vehicles.
INTERNAL CONTROL FOR USE OF COMMISSION VEHICLES : Emmanuel Nii Noi Dowuona
Regional Managers are mandated to send
monthly copies of the original of their
vehicle log books to Accra for verifica-
tion by the Internal Audit Department.
Significant variances in distance covered
and fuel used will have to be justified by
Regional Managers.
Private use of official vehicles (Accra and
Regional Offices) shall be applied for and
approved by the Executive Secretary or
his designated management staff. Staffs
are reminded that the request for private
use of official vehicle is based on unfore-
seen circumstances directly affecting staff
and terms and conditions apply.
Conditions governing the use of the Shell
prepaid cards for fuel and lubricants
should be rigorously followed and all fuel
receipts should be well kept and ac-
counted for. Fuel bought by cash (special
programmes and regional monitoring
exercises) should be equally entered in
log books and receipts kept for verifica-
tion.
Any authorized person driving the Com-
mission’s vehicles should have the appli-
cable valid driver’s license. This will be
verified periodically by the Transport
Officer and occasionally by the Internal
Audit Department.
It shall be the duty of authorized person
driving the Commission’s vehicles to
conduct safety inspection measures by
checking fluids, oil, light, tyre pressure,
wipers etc before moving the vehicle.
Authorized persons driving the Commis-
sion’s vehicle will be held liable for any
damage resulting from an accident if it is
proven that he/she was at fault. Costs aris-
ing from a breach / arrest for traffic of-
fenses shall be borne by the defaulting
driver.
Unauthorized persons are not allowed to
ride in the Commission’s vehicles as the
Commission’s insurance policy does not
cover such persons.
All journeys must be recorded and signed
by the person using the vehicle into the
vehicle log book. Journeys must be ap-
proved by a designated Superior Officer.
Unapproved journeys undertaken may be
surcharged to the offending person(s).
Recording of journeys include mileage/
kilometer reading on their odometers, start
and end time for journeys, description of
locations and fuel /lubricants purchased.
Conclusion
The Internal Audit Department which is the
custodian of controls will continue to monitor
the effective and efficient use of the Commis-
sion’s vehicle and ensure judicious use of
resources in the operation and running of
official vehicles to ensure value for money
and the attainment of corporate goals.
The cooperation of all staff in strictly adher-
ing to these controls will ensure that the
Commission will be in good stead to accom-
plish its mandatory functions and be a flag-
ship regulator in the industry.
In a bid to strengthen its capacity building the Commission recruited a number of staff. Notable among these were two new Regional Offices
opened in the Volta Region (Ho) and Eastern Region (Koforidua). The members of staff manning these Regional Offices are:
Mr Philip Agbezudor - Regional Manager, Ho
Mr. Jude Aduamoah-Addo - Regional Manager, Koforidua
These recruitments were also made to boost capacity in the underlisted Directorates/Department.
Finance and Administration
Mr. Anto Kwadwo Odehyee - Procurement Officer
PR & External Affairs
Mrs. Deborah Bonney - Public Relations Officer
Mr. Robert Tia Abdulai Aziz - PR & External Affairs Officer
Internal Audit
Mr. Gerald Kwame Ofosu Amoah - Internal Audit Officer
Staff News
CONGRATULATIONS
Mr. Emmanuel N. W. Fiati, Director – Energy was awarded an Associate Membership of the
Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Mr. Frederick Amui Oblitey, Technical Manager – Electrical Energy was awarded LLB and
Professional Certificate in Law (BL) and called to the Ghana Bar Association.
Mr. Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, Manager – Legal has been awarded post-graduate certificate on
Proficiency in Legislative Drafting.
Page 16
Regu-Letter
As part of PURC capacity building for staff, a number of training programmes were provided for staff.
Customer Management Training Session
Information Systems (IS) Audit Training
Inventory Management
Road Safety Intervention and Driver
Introduction to Computers
Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663)
Records Management – Organising and Maintaining Company Records and Filing Systems Effectively
Performance Management
Introduction to Human Resources Management
Professional Certificate in Office 2010
Introduction to Customer Service Management
Legislative Drafting
CAREER ADVANCEMENT
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTMENT
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Some members of staff meet on Friday morning before work starts to pray for the Commission.
Once a quarter, a spiritual retreat is also organised for members of staff who avail themselves to seek the face of
God. Prayers are said not only for the Commission but our families and our personal needs.
The attendance has been very encouraging and staff who have not been attending are encouraged to attend the next retreat scheduled for
June, 2012 at the Conference Room.
Every other Word will pass away but the word of God which is Jesus Christ never fails.
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
ADDITIONS TO THE PURC FAMILY
We have been privileged by the grace of God to welcome two (2) new members
into the PURC family.
A baby boy born to Mr. Godfred Odoom, Assistant Manager, Finance De-
partment, Head Office, Accra.
A baby boy born to Ms. Evelyn Ntiakoh, Officer with the Administrative Department, Head Office, Accra
Page 17
List of members of staff who lost parents and love one from half year to date
Ms. Judith Frimpong, Administrative Assistant, Head Office, Accra, father. Mr. Raymond Frimpong.
Mr. N. O. Kotei, Director- Water, Head Office, Accra, father, Mr. Amon Kotei.
Ms. Gifty Bruce-Nelson, Senior Officer – Consumer Services, Head Office, Accra, mother,
Madam Lydia Mensah.
Mr. Patrick Kavi, Senior Administrative Assistant Head Office, Accra wife Ms. Mary
Quartey.
Mrs. Felicia Amissah, Administrative Officer, Head Office, Accra, father Mr. David Kwame
Onyinah,
BEREAVEMENTS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Ms Millicent R Mensah - 7th May
Mr. Gerald Kwame Ofosu Amoah - 10th May
Mr. Kwabena Adusei - 11 May
Mr. Emmanuel Konney Annang - 20th May
Mr. Godfred K. Odoom - 1st June Mr. Stephen Addai - 5th June
Mr. Nii Okai Kotei - 8th June
Mr. Kwasi Anokye Gyimah - 12th June Ms. Lydia Arhin - 13th June Mr. Ben Kwame Appiah - 16th June
Ms Gifty Bruce-Nelson - 21st June
We pray for God’s plan and purpose to be fulfilled in their lives
UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS
Page 18
Regu-Letter
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
DEVOTIONAL CORNER—Mrs Wilhelmina Obed
'Every Thought You Think Creates And So Is Every Word You Utter'
Proverbs 23:7 says, “as a man thinks in his heart so is he”. Mark
11:23 also says “if you should say to this mountain be removed
and be cast into the sea and you do not doubt but believe that
what you said would happen, you will have whatever you say”.
The life we lead is created by our thoughts and the words we ut-
ter. If we would like to improve our lives in 2012, we will have
to improve our thoughts and words.
Right thinking with the right words we say to ourselves. We are the products of our own
lives and unwittingly create pain and suffering for ourselves due to the unconscious thoughts
and words we focus on.
Every thought you think creates that very reality for you. If you see yourself as lacking and
poor then you will be lacking and poor. If your thinking is going after and gaining wealth
then wealth is what you will obtain. It's simple to manifest in your life whatever you desire
this is what Jesus was talking about in Mark 11:23.
Visualize yourself as if you already ARE where God wants you to be or the state of well being
you desire to be in. I mean get in your head and see it, feel it, hear it and taste it. What
emotions does it bring up? Feel them!
Page 19
What you think and do draws more of the same to you. Change your attitude and behav-
iour to what you want drawn into your life.
Taking care of yourself and eating properly is the lifestyle of a healthy active person.
Healthy active people think of themselves as healthy and active. Begin a healthier lifestyle.
Remember, you are what you eat. So eat healthy foods.
Be that - Wealthy people think of themselves as wealthy and having it all. They are moti-
vated to go after the big bucks and have a leisurely lifestyle. You will have it too if you keep
focused on what you desire.
Take every negative thought and speech and immediately change them into positive ones.
There is good and beauty in all things. Just look for it, it's there I promise you.
What you see and what you think draws more of the same to you. If you're saying to your-
self "that I'm never going to", then you never will. So see beauty in all things and watch
what happens!
In 2012, instead of moaning and complaining for what you don’t have, just be grateful to
God for what you do have. Remember where you were a year ago, and where He has
placed you now. God deserves our praise. See yourself prosper and you will have it. Be
open to receiving it and having it because if you don't really think you should have it or feel
you're not worthy to receive it, what you do have shall also vanish.
God is not limited by space or time. Keep thinking and seeing yourself as obtaining what-
ever it is God has purposed and planned for your life and you will become and obtain that
which you wish. Shalom!
Page 20
Regu-Letter
Page 21
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
How to Protect Your Computer: Kelvin Kwao
Use antivirus software.
No one should be without antivirus software on their computer and be sure to configure
your anti-virus software to update and scan daily. Antivirus software is designed to pre-
vent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer.
Never turn off your firewall.
A firewall puts a protective barrier between your computer and the Internet. Turning it
off for even a minute increases the risk that your PC will be infected with malware. A
firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash
it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information.
Be Careful What You Download.
Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant anti-
virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know, and be
wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly
advanced malicious code.
Keep Your Operating System Updated with Critical Patches
Make sure that you download and install critical updates. Microsoft periodically issues
patches to Windows to make the operating system more reliable or secure. Windows has
a built-in facility called Windows Update that downloads and installs critical and security
patches to keep your system safe from attackers.
Limit the Use of Administrator Level Accounts
If you are using an Administrator account on your machine to log on, you should create
a new account that is not a member of the Administrators group and use it for normal
tasks. Use the Administrator account only when necessary.
Update your computer
Stop using computers with insecure operating systems such as Microsoft Windows 95,
Windows 98, and Windows ME. These versions of Microsoft Windows are now so old
and outdated, they cannot be considered secure.
ICT TIPS
Page 22
Regu-Letter
Diabetes: Facts You Need to Know By Kwabena Adusei
HEALTH CORNER
Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a disease in
which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does
not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the
insulin that is produced. In order to understand diabetes we need to
know what role sugar (glucose) plays in the body’s metabolism.
Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a
form of sugar in the blood - it is the principal source of fuel for our
bodies.
When our food is digested the glucose makes its way into our blood-
stream. Our cells use the glucose for energy and growth. However,
glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being present - insulin
makes it possible for our cells to take in the glucose.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. After eating,
the pancreas automatically releases an adequate quantity of insulin to
move the glucose present in our blood into the cells, and lowers the
blood sugar level.
A person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of glu-
cose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia). This is because the
body does not produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has
cells that do not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas pro-
duces. This results in too much glucose building up in the blood.
This excess blood glucose eventually passes out of the body in urine.
So, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not
getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements.
Types of Diabetes
There are three types of diabetes, namely
Type I also called Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. In this type
of diabetes, the alpha cells of the pancreas do not produce any insulin
at all and the patient needs to have regular doses of insulin to control
blood glucose levels.
Type II Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. With type II, the
body produces some insulin, but the quantity is not sufficient to con-
trol blood glucose levels. Medication and diet can sometimes control
type II without the use of insulin injections.
Gestational diabetes that usually occurs temporary in some women
during pregnancy. It is a condition in which women without previ-
ously diagnosed diabetes exhibit high blood glucose levels dur-
ing pregnancy . The condition is natural during pregnancy. Gesta-
tional diabetes is caused when the body of a pregnant woman does
not secrete enough insulin required during pregnancy, leading to
increased blood sugar levels.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with type II diabetes are:
Excessive Thirst
Dry Mouth
Frequent Urination
Sudden Loss of Weight
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Management
All types of diabetes are treatable, but Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
last a lifetime; there is no known cure. The patient receives regular
insulin, which became medically available in 1921. The treatment
for a patient with Type 1 is mainly injected insulin, plus some die-
tary and exercise adherence.
Patients with Type 2 are usually treated with tablets, exercise and a
special diet, but sometimes insulin injections are also required.
If diabetes is not adequately controlled the patient has a signifi-
cantly higher risk of developing complications, such as hypoglyce-
mia (low blood glucose), ketoacidosis, and coma. Longer term com-
plications could be cardiovascular disease, retinal damage, chronic
kidney failure, nerve damage, poor healing of wounds, gangrene on
the feet which may lead to amputation, and erectile dysfunction.
Three engineering students
were gathered together
discussing the possible de-
signers of the human body.
One said, "It was a mechani-
cal engineer. Just look at all
the joints."
Another said, "No, it was an
electrical engineer. The
nervous system has many
thousands of electrical con-
nections."
The last said, "Actually, it
was a civil engineer. Who
else would run a toxic waste
pipeline through a recrea-
tional area?"
God, you have been drink-
ing”
The priest quickly retorted;
“Only water”
The officer asked; “why do
I then smell wine?
The priest looks down at
A priest was driving to his
residence from a party. At a
check-point he was stopped
by an officer for speeding.
The officer smelled alcohol
on his breath and noticed a
wine bottle on the floor of
his car so he said “Man of
the wine bottle and ex-
claimed; OH DEAR ME, THE
GOOD LORD HAS DONE IT
AGAIN!. Just like the days
of old, he turned water into
wine!
Who Designed The Human Body?
He is a Miracle Working God……….
‘The Value is the Shame’
door a few minutes before
kick-off he found the man
up on a ladder trying to
slot his pre-paid card into
the meter. He asked;
‘’Neighbour, no power’’?
‘’No power! my brother, I
have been struggling since
morning to reload the
credit I bought yesterday
but to no avail”
The frustrated football
fan: “You pay, you can’t
use,,I use, I can’t pay so
what is the difference?
“Hmmnn THE VALUE IS
THE SHAME” said the
neighbour.
A man who was disconnected
for non-payment of elec-
tricity bills six hours prior
to a live telecast of a foot-
ball match made up his mind
to watch the game with his
neighbor who had a pre-paid
meter.
On reaching his neighbour’s
Page 23
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission
JOKES CORNER
By Yours Truly, F.N.D III
“To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting
sentence or quote from the story here.”
Five (5) politicians travelling
in the heat of the campaign
period had an accident and
by the time police officers
got to the scene of the ac-
cident, an old man had al-
ready buried them.
POLICE: Opanyin, are you
sure they are dead?
OLD MAN: Officer, some
were saying they were not
dead but you know these
politicians and their gargan-
tuan lies. Since I wouldn’t
like DEATH to be part of
their UNFULFILLED CAM-
PAIGN MANIFESTOS, I
had to bury them all!
lights out.
5 minutes later…..,
Boy: Da-aaaad!!!
Father: “Whattt???”
Am thirsty, can you give me
a glass of water?
Father: I told you NO! If
you ask again I will spank
A small boy was put to bed
by his father.
5 minutes later…..,
Boy: “Daaaaaadd!
Father: “what”?
Boy: “Can I get a glass of
water?
Dad: You had your turn at
you.
5 minutes later……..
Boy: Daa-aad! If you are
coming to spank me, can you
bring me a glass of water?
Campaign Manifestos
This is Persistence
True Love
SIM card, there is no me
without you!
Girl: Aawwwww!!! That’s so
so romantic!
Boy then says to himself,
[See this mumu of a fool,
what if I am a Chinese Mo-
bile Phone with three (3)
SIMS?]
A lady asked her boyfriend;
“how deeply do you love
me”?
Boy: I love you so much that
I cant measure…..
Girl: “No! Just tell me…….”
Boy: Okayyyyyy!! Am like a
cellphone and you are my
Page 24
Regu-Letter
“Wisdom is always a
sharper weapon than
brut strength”
HEAD OFFICE
No. 51 Liberation Road, Ridge, Accra
P.O. Box CT 3095
Cantonments
Tel: (233-302) 244181-3
Fax: (233-302) 244188
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.purc.com.gh
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is an independent body
established by under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act 1997
(Act 538), to regulate and oversee the provision of utility services in the coun-
try. PURC is committed to ensuring the development and delivery of the high-
est quality of utility services to consumers and aims to achieve efficiency, reli-
ability and equity in the provision of these services.
PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY COMMISSION
KUMASI
Cocobod Jubilee House
P.O. Box 1001, U.S.T. Kumasi
Kumasi Tel: (233-51) 37510
TAKORADI
1st Floor Ajumakoman Press
Sekondi Road, News Site
P.O. Box AX 1985
Takoradi
Tel: (233-31) 24010, 25261
TAMALE
2nd Floor, Ernest Chemist Building
Opposite Tamale Girls International
P.O. Box TL 1870
Tamale
Tel. (233-71) 26380
KOFORIDUA
1st Floor, Ofosuaa House
P. O. Box KF 2781
Koforidua - E/R
Tel: (233-3420) 28770
Fax: (233-3420)20771
HO
1st Floor, God is Great Building
P. O. Box HP 1373
Ho - V/R
Tel: (233-3620)28607
Fax:(233-3620)28608