Natural Gas Complaints and Resolution - Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority

Complaints and Resolution

EWURA attends to complaints against a supplier of regulated goods or services in relation to any matter connected with the supply, possible supply or proposed supply of goods or services. There is a dedicated unit, under Director of Legal Division which receives and follow up complaints from consumers of regulated goods and services. Disputes are lodged subject to Section 247 of the Petroleum Act, 2015. The Unit which was established under Section 34 of EWURA Act , Cap 414 is known as Customer Service.

The major underlying policy on consumer complaints handling procedure centers on:

Consumer Protection- The need for service providers to provide reliable, quality and affordable goods or services;
Preference to amicable complaints settlement procedure as opposed to litigation;
Having a speedier, just and less bureaucratic complaints handling procedure.

Filing a complaint:

Any person (consumer) may file a complaint;
EWURA CCC or an authorized representative;
A group of people may file a complaint attaching the following documents:
1. List of names and signatures;
2. Minutes of the meeting with a resolution to file a complaint;
3. Name(s) of representative/s and contact.

Complaints should be reported within a specified time limit which will enable service provider to be accountable. A complaint lodged after the time limit will not be considered, hence consumer end up losing their right to quality service or goods. The main reason for setting time limit is to enable the Authority to act in time, to collect evidence which will help in resolving the matter with integrity.

The Authority has set up Rules on Consumer Complaints Settlement to be applied in handling complaints. Limitation periods are based on the nature of complaint as indicated below:

NATURE OF COMPLAINT	PERIOD OF LIMITATION
Unlawful disconnection of service	12 months
Improper Billing	12 months
Failure or refusal to connect the service	12 months
Poor quality of service	24 months
Others	12 months

The Authority issue guidelines to Consumers on how to initiate a complaint, the rights and obligation of Consumer, and how to fill a Complaint Form. (To be linked) The Authority maintains a Complaints Register (To be linked) for all regulated sectors).

Since commencement of receiving complaints and hearing disputes, the Authority has NOT registered any complaint from Natural gas sector.

Disputes and Complaints

There were no disputes or complaints brought to the attention of the Authority during the period.

Litigation

During the period under review there was no litigation involving the Authority, the service providers, or other stakeholders.

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