Presidential Staffer and PURC Board Member, Nana Yaa Jantuah, says consumers will not be short-changed as the Commission considers proposals from utility providers seeking sharp increases in tariffs.

Her assurance comes in the wake of applications from Ghana Water Limited (GWL) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), both of which are requesting over 200 percent hikes in charges to offset rising operational costs.

GWL is pushing for a 281 percent increase in water tariffs, from GH¢5.28 per cubic metre to GH¢20.09, while ECG is seeking to raise its Distribution Service Charge from GHp19.0875/kWh to GHp61.8028/kWh.

The proposals have triggered widespread public criticism, with many Ghanaians arguing that the hikes are unjustifiable given the frequent service interruptions and poor customer service. But Ms Jantuah emphasised that the Commission’s mandate is to strike a balance between sustaining utility providers and protecting consumers.

“The cost of energy is expensive, so we need to keep the lights on. We must ensure that energy is available for industry, for the economy to function, and for the comfort of households.

The quality of service is key, but our job is to ensure service delivery improves while keeping the utilities financially viable. In the end, we must achieve a win-win outcome,” she said on Tuesday, September 9.