Accra: The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has commenced nationwide stakeholder consultations on proposals submitted by utility companies for the upcoming Multi-Year Tariff Order covering 2025-2030. The process began with a media engagement in Accra, aimed at fostering transparency and deepening public understanding of the tariff review exercise.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting brought together journalists, regulators, and representatives of key utility service providers including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Volta River Authority (VRA), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC), and the Enclave Power Company (EPC). PURC emphasizes transparency and consumer protection.
In her opening remarks, Nana Yaa Jantuah, Chairperson of the Stakeholder Committee, underscored that the consultation was not a ceremonial exercise, but a statutory obligation to ensure fairness, accountability, and consumer protection. She reminded utility companies that they must justify how revenues from previous tariff adjustments, particularly the 2022 review, were applied to improve service delivery.
Each utility provider presented a case for tariff adjustments, citing operational, financial, and service delivery challenges. ECG argued that rising operational costs, particularly for network expansion, meter replacements, and reducing system losses, necessitated tariff adjustments. NEDCo cited high costs of rural electrification, long transmission distances, and elevated maintenance expenses. VRA emphasized the rising cost of fuel for thermal generation as a major factor. GRIDCo justified its request on the grounds of maintaining and upgrading transmission infrastructure. GWCL argued that the cost of water treatment chemicals and infrastructure maintenance had escalated sharply. GNGC highlighted rising equipment maintenance costs and the need for investments to stabilize gas supply. EPC explained that increasing demand from industrial clients requires significant investment in infrastructure.
In his welcome address, Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of PURC, emphasized the central role of the media in shaping public perceptions of tariff reviews. He revealed that PURC would roll out regional public hearings in the coming weeks to give consumers the opportunity to directly engage utility providers. He urged the media to serve as a conduit between regulators, utilities, and the public by reporting accurately and fairly on the process. Both officials reiterated PURC’s commitment to a credible, inclusive, and transparent tariff review process.