The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has urged the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to suspend its planned utility tariff adjustments until key consultative bodies are reinstated, and broader consumer engagement is carried out.
This follows a recent increment by the PURC on electricity tariffs by 14.75% and water tariffs by 4.02%, effective May 2, 2025.
In a statement issued by the CPA’s Director of Mediation and Arbitration, Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, the agency expressed concern that the PURC may not have conducted adequate consultations with consumers before approving the tariff hikes.
“We are calling on the PURC to, as a matter of urgency, put up these committees in place so that a proper consultation can be done before any tariff adjustments will be accepted by consumers,” the statement read.
The CPA emphasized the importance of the PURC’s Technical and External Committees, both of which, according to the agency, have not been reconstituted since the change in government.
The CPA explained that the Technical Committee plays a key role in evaluating utility tariff applications, including methodology, structure, and performance benchmarking.
The External Committee, established under Part 3, Section 31 of the PURC Act 1997 (Act 538), serves as a regional liaison between the Commission, utility providers, and consumers, offering feedback on service quality and consumer issues.
According to the CPA, these committees are essential for ensuring transparency and representation in regulatory decisions, particularly on matters directly affecting consumers.
“We strongly believe that the PURC didn’t do much consultation, and also the interest of consumers was not properly represented,” the statement added.
The agency also raised concerns about unresolved consumer complaints regarding electricity and water services, stressing that these issues should be addressed before any price adjustments are implemented.
“The PURC, per its mandate, is to ensure uninterrupted power supply 24/7 and reliable water services.”
AM/KA
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