Dr. Eric Kofi Obutey, Director of Research and Corporate Affairs at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has defended its recent tariff adjustments, stating that they were not approved at the expense of consumers.
This follows the PURC’s announcement of a 14.75% upward adjustment in average end-user electricity tariffs and a 4.02% increase in water tariffs across all consumer categories. The revision comes under the Commission’s quarterly tariff review process for the first and second quarters of 2025.
Speaking in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, April 14, Dr. Obutey explained that the tariff increases were informed by several economic and operational factors, including the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, inflation projections, fuel costs—particularly natural gas—and the current hydro-thermal generation mix.
“It is well, no, it’s not a killer tariff per se.” Dr. Obutey said, defending the adjustments.
He added that while minor tariff adjustments are not subjected to public consultations, the Commission applies a set of standard parameters to ensure the rates reflect current economic realities.
He further revealed that a major tariff review is expected in the next quarter, which would take into account capital and operational expenses.
However, he could not confirm whether the next adjustment would result in a price increase or decrease.
“As it stands now, I cannot determine in the next tariff window there will be an upward or downward review of tariff. I don’t really know how it will go. It will all depend on the factors that will come into play,” Dr. Obutey noted.
The PURC reiterated its commitment to balancing the sustainability of utility service providers with the protection of consumer interests.
Source: Channel1one
