Minority challenges PURC over new electricity tariff increase

The Minority members on Parliament’s Energy Committee have raised concerns about the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) decision to increase electricity tariffs by 3.49 per cent, arguing that the adjustment will place additional financial pressure on consumers and businesses.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, questioned the justification for the latest tariff review and urged the regulator to be more transparent in its decision-making process.

According to him, the series of utility tariff increases introduced since President John Dramani Mahama assumed office has not aligned with the expectations of Ghanaians, who anticipated some relief amid improving economic conditions.

Mr Adomako-Mensah stated that neither the government nor the PURC has provided sufficient explanation for the latest upward adjustment, particularly at a time when Ghana is no longer operating under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) support programme.

He therefore called on the PURC to make public the detailed calculations, data and methodology used in arriving at all utility tariff adjustments implemented from January 2025 to date.

The lawmaker also expressed surprise at the increase, noting that several key economic indicators appear to have improved in recent months. He pointed to the appreciation of the Ghana cedi, declining inflation levels and lower interest rates as factors that should ordinarily contribute to reducing utility costs rather than increasing them.

His comments come after the PURC announced a 3.49 per cent upward adjustment in electricity tariffs and a 0.85 per cent increase in water tariffs as part of its third-quarter tariff review.

The revised tariffs are scheduled to take effect from July 1, 2026.

The Minority insists that consumers deserve a clear explanation of the factors behind the increases and has urged the regulator to provide greater transparency to ensure public confidence in future tariff reviews.

Prince Antwi

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