Story by: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC), has announced new tariffs increment for water and electricity by 21.55% and 27.15%, respectively.
The utility regulator announced the new tariffs on Monday, August 15, 2022, saying the new tariffs take effect from September 1, 2022.
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) management proposed to the PURC an increase in electricity tariffs of up to 148% from 2019 to 2022.
The state power distributor also proposed an average increase of 7.6% in tariffs over the next four years to cover Distribution Service Charges (DSC).
But the utility regulator thinks otherwise, thereby giving an increment of 27.15%.
The management of the Ghana Water Company (GWCL) also proposed to the PURC to increase water tariffs.
The GWCL said in its proposal that the approved tariffs have not been fully cost reflective over the years. This, according to the GWCL, has led to the inability of GWCL to raise enough revenue to finance the much-needed capital investment projects, with a consequent unsatisfactory level of service. Thus, its calls for the astronomical increment it requested.
However, the PURC believes the managers of the water distribution company deserved just 21.55% of the 300% increase GWCL requested.
