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 at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, aimed at fostering transparency and deepening public understanding of the tariff review exercise.
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, Hon. Nana Yaa Jantuah, Chairperson of the Stakeholder Committee, underscored that the consultation is 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.
“Balancing quality service delivery with the financial viability of utilities is one of the most difficult tasks before us,” she said. “We must ensure utilities have the resources to keep the lights on and water flowing, while also protecting consumers from undue hardship.”
Touching on water services, Hon. Jantuah warned of looming challenges, stressing that Ghana risks becoming “water-poor” if urgent investments are not made in infrastructure and sustainable water management.
Justifications for Tariff Adjustments by Utility Companies Each utility provider presented a case for tariff adjustments, citing operational, financial, and service delivery challenges:
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)
ECG argued that rising operational costs—particularly for network expansion, meter replacements, and reducing system losses necessitate tariff adjustments.
The company highlighted the increasing cost of procuring bulk power from generation companies and noted that without higher tariffs, it cannot sustain reliable supply or finance new service connections.
Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo)
NEDCo, which supplies electricity to northern Ghana and other hard-to-reach areas, cited the high cost of rural electrification, long transmission distances, and elevated maintenance expenses.
The company stressed that its customer base is relatively smaller compared to ECG’s, making it financially vulnerable without tariff increments.
Volta River Authority (VRA)
VRA emphasized the rising cost of fuel for thermal generation, particularly light crude oil and natural gas, as a major factor.
With hydropower capacity fluctuating due to climate variability, VRA explained that diversifying its generation mix requires significant financial investment.
The authority insisted that tariffs must reflect actual production costs to sustain power generation.
Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo)
GRIDCo justified its request on the grounds of maintaining and upgrading transmission infrastructure, which is critical for reducing frequent system disturbances.
The company cited the need for capital injection to modernize aging transmission lines and substations.
Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL)
GWCL argued that the cost of water treatment chemicals, electricity for pumping, and infrastructure maintenance has escalated sharply.
The company added that aging pipelines and illegal connections are driving up non-revenue water, requiring more investment to ensure safe, reliable supply.
Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC)
GNGC justified its tariff proposals by citing the need to recover operational costs in gas processing and transportation.
The company highlighted rising equipment maintenance costs and the need for investments to stabilize gas supply for thermal plants.
Enclave Power Company (EPC)
EPC, which operates in industrial enclaves such as the Free Zones, explained that increasing demand from industrial clients requires significant investment in infrastructure and grid reinforcement. It stressed that tariff adjustments will help sustain reliable supply to drive industrialization.
PURC Calls for Media Partnership 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.
“Your voice guides the narrative and shifts perceptions. You have the ability to ensure citizens understand tariff adjustments not as impositions, but as part of a shared social contract balancing consumer interest, utility viability, and national development,” Dr. Suleman said.
He revealed that PURC will 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 that balances the sustainability of utility services with consumer protection.
