On Monday, August 15, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) announced increases in power and water rates of 27.15% and 21.55%, respectively, beginning on September 1.
Speaking to the media in Accra, PURC Executive Director Ishmael Ackah said the commission thought the new pricing was considerate of consumers’ needs.
“The PURC acknowledged that the identical economic factors that have caused the significant increases suggested by the service providers also affect consumers in balancing the interests of service providers and consumers. The commission did concede that some utility rate hikes were unavoidable if the country was to avoid another dumsor and all of its consequences, including job losses.
“Therefore, the Commission chose to raise the average end-user tariff for electricity
on September 1, 2022, by 27.15% and water on September 1, 2022, by 21.55%. According to the Commission, these rates are attentive to and responsive to the perspectives of all parties involved in the utility sector and in accordance with Section 3(c) of the PURC Act of 1997. (Act 538).
“The PURC appreciates the participation and contributions of all stakeholders in the tariff approval process. To ensure value for money and high-quality service delivery, the Commission will continue to keep an eye on how the Utility Service Providers operate, according to Ackah.
Following the introduction of the new tarrif, according to Ackah, the PURC will now carry out its quarterly tarrif review.
