Accra, Ghana, June 21, 2019//-Ghana’s Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has increased electricity tariff by 11.17%, effective July 1, 2019, to dissatisfaction of consumers in the country.
The increase is for the recovery of total electricity revenue requirement for the regulated electricity market, according to a press release issued by the PURC today.
It said: “In taking the above decisions, the Commission received and considered tariff proposals from stakeholders including the following utility service providers in the electricity and water sectors: Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited, Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) and Enclave Power Company Limited (EPC).
“In line with the Commission’s regulatory oversight mandate, extensive technical and financial analyses of the proposals were undertaken. The key objective of the tariff review was to sustain the financial viability of utility service providers as well as ensuring delivery of quality service to consumers,” the PURC said.
As a major policy shift aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Ghanaian industries, it has eliminated the Maximum Demand Charge on industrial customers (Special Load Tariff-SLT Customers). It is expected that this policy will result in some 5LT customers experiencing savings in their overall electricity bills, it sated.
“This 2019-2020 Major Tariff Review Decision is the outcome of prudent cost review and effective monitoring undertaken by the Commission. Details of the approved electricity tariffs and the rationale for the decision will be published on the Commission’s website,” the statement announced.
Some consumers who spoke to African Eye Report maintained the increment would have consequences on their lives and their families as more money would be used to pay for light bills.
Meanwhile, the PURC received a tariff proposal from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) which it is yet to announce its decision.
African Eye Report
