Consumer Protection Agency calls for suspension of utility tariff hikes

The Consumer Protection Agency has called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to immediately halt its planned utility tariff adjustments, scheduled to take effect on May 2, 2025.

The CPA argues that the tariff hike is premature and lacks the consultation and consumer representation required by law.

According to a statement issued by Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, Director of Mediation and Arbitration at the CPA, the agency has taken notice of a publication announcing proposed adjustments of 14.75% for electricity and 4.02% for water.

The CPA, however, insists that the PURC should not proceed with implementing these increases until its Technical and External Committees are reconstituted.

“These two important committees were dissolved following the assumption of the new government,” the statement read. “We strongly believe that the PURC didn’t do much consultation, and also, the interest of consumers was not properly represented.”

The CPA emphasized that the PURC’s Technical Committee plays a crucial role in reviewing utility tariff applications, tariff methodology, benchmarking, and technical audits.

Similarly, the External Committee acts as the Commission’s “eyes and ears” in communities, helping to gather consumer feedback and recommend service improvements.

“These committees are mandated by the PURC Act, 1997 (Act 538), and must be in place to ensure fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in decision-making,” the CPA stressed.

The agency also raised concerns over ongoing consumer complaints regarding service delivery by utility providers, which it says have not received adequate attention.

“There are several concerns raised by consumers concerning utility services in the country that have not been given the needed attention by the PURC and therefore need to be addressed before any tariff increases will be accepted by consumers,” the CPA stated.

The CPA concluded by reminding the PURC of its statutory obligation to guarantee uninterrupted electricity and a reliable water supply to the public and urged the Commission to act in good faith by suspending the proposed hikes until proper stakeholder engagement is undertaken.