Utility providers including the Volta River Authority, Electricity Company of Ghana, the Ghana Grid Company as well as the Bulk Storage and Transportation Company will Thursday morning justify their demands for an upward tariff adjustment at a meeting with the parliamentary select committee on energy and mines. This is part of stakeholder consultation being undertaken by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission on demands for tariff adjustment by the service providers. Dr. Kwabena Donkor who chairs the committee, told Joy News that since parliament represents the populace, they have the responsibility to safeguard the interest of the consuming public. He noted that though the utility providers may have a cause to demand increases in tariffs, the public also “has the right to demand and access quality services.” “It is time as a people that we look at our energy consumption...” he added. Meanwhile the Public Utility Regulatory Committee (PURC) has asked to be allowed space as an independent and legally mandated body to undertake its responsibility. This comes on the heels of raging public arguments and submissions regarding tariff adjustments for electricity generation, distribution, and water service providers. Officials of the Commission say this would ensure transparency, equity and fairness in the regulatory process.