By Mabel Annang
Some Members of the public want Utility Companies to reduce their proposed figures on new tariffs they submitted to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), for consideration.
According to them, the Companies render poor service and have inefficiencies in their operations and so do not merit an upward adjustment.
The PURC organised a public hearing for the Multi-year major tariff Review in Accra. PURC engaged the public to collate views and suggestions on the proposals of the various utility companies for adjustment in tariffs. The proposals from both ECG and Ghana Water have been rejected by many consumers while discussions continue on the adjustment.
PURC wants to examine the Public suggestions and concerns before making a decision. The hearing is to make the tariff review transparent and participatory. ECG’s inefficiencies, its inability to collect debts, poor services to customers and cumbersome processes in the acquisition of metres were key issues raised at the forum.
The Greater Accra Regional Organizer of the National Hairdressers and Beautician Association, Madam Stella Afua Adu, said the existing tariffs must be maintained.
The Spokesperson of the Progressive Transport Operators Association, Nana Yaw Faya, said the PURC should give the ECG 15% of the 148 % proposed tariff.
The President of the Ghana Corporate Fashion Designers Association, Elizabeth Tagoe, said the Utilities need to deal with the loopholes in their operations.
The tariff increase is expected in July 2022.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the African Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ben Boakye, has called on Utility Companies to address inefficiencies and ensure quality service delivery.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Boakye noted, ”quality service delivery is the only means of justifying an increase in tariffs.”
