PURC hikes electricity and water tariffs by 29.96%, 8.3%
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has increased electricity and water tariffs by 29.96% and 8.3% respectively.
The tariff increment set to kick-start on February 1, 2023, follows the conclusion of the regulatory process for quarterly adjustment of tariffs by the PURC.
The quarterly tariff review mechanism seeks to track and incorporate changes in critical factors used to set consumer charges for natural gas, electricity and water.
Per a statement issued by the PURC on Monday, January 16, 2023, it approved the new tariffs very mindful of the current economic circumstances.
It noted however, that the potential for a return to the days of erratic power supply was also given due consideration as it would be catastrophic for Ghana.
“The Commission therefore decided to increase the average end-user tariff for electricity by 29.96% across the board for all consumer groups. The average end-user tarrif for water has also been increased by 8.3%. The Commission however approved varying rates of adjustments including some reductions for selected industrial and commercial consumers as part of the ongoing restructuring of the existing water rate structure,” it read.
“Under-recovery has negative implications for the ability of the companies to supply service to consumers, and has the potential of causing outages of electricity (DUMSOR) and water supply. Over-recovery unnecessarily overburdens consumers of electricity and water. The Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism is meant to ensure that none of these happens,” it added.
