The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced new tariffs for water and electricity that will take effect from Tuesday, June 1, 2010. On average, electricity was increased by 89% and water by 36%, the board chairman of the commission, Dr Emmanuel Annan, announced at a press conference on Monday. The last time the tariffs were adjusted was in 2007. Dr Annan said water consumers who fall within the range of 0-20 cubic metre per month who used to pay 66 pesewas would now pay 80 pesewas per cubic metre, representing 21% increment, whilst those who consume more than 20 cubic meter would now pay 120 pesewas per cubic meter, an increase of 32%. Public institutions would pay 150 pesewas per cubic meter as against the previous 110 pesewas per cubic meter. Dr Annan noted: “The current adjustment is meant to assist the GWCL and AVRL to meet key operational cost such as the cost of chemicals for the treatment of water, replacement of obsolete equipment as well as maintenance of the system among others.” On electricity, there was no change in tariff for rural consumers and domestic consumers who fall within the ‘lifeline’ with the consumption level ranging from 0-50. They will still pay 9.5 pesewas per kilowatt hour. Those in the residential category who consume from 51-300 units would have their billing adjusted from 12 to 17 pesewas, representing a change of 42% per kilowatt hour. Those who consume 301 – 600 units would have to pay 21 pesewas per kilowatt hour, and from 601 upwards, they will pay 23 pesewas kilowatt hour. “The increase would ensure financial stability of the utility service providers; it will also ensure that consumers of electricity get value for money through an improvement in the quality of service being delivered by the utility service providers.” Dr Annan assured that utility companies would be sanctioned if they fail to meet what is required of them. “The commission reiterate that it will closely monitor Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) performance, and will not hesitate to impose the necessary sanctions where laid down benchmarks are not adhered to… A collection rate of 95%, non-revenue water not exceeding 45%, publication of the consumer charter, publication of rationing programme in the media to enable consumers to store water. GWCL and AVRL should ensure the supply of water to distress communities at least once a week.” Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officers of the utility companies – ECG, GWLC and GRIDCO - have told Joy News even though the increment is below what they expected, the current adjustment is welcoming and would improve their performance. However, there were mixed reaction from consumers about the increase in tariffs with majority of them doubting the ability of the utility service providers to deliver. Play the attached audio for more information on the increment, including what the ECG, GWCL and GRIDco make of it Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana