The Minority in Parliament is warning of dire consequences in the power sector if the government goes ahead to reduce electricity tariffs.

The Minority spokesperson on Energy Adam Mutawakilu told Joy News’ Elton John Brobbey Ghanaians are likely to experience erratic power supply and general operational challenges on account of the price reduction.

Beginning today, March 15, 2018, electricity consumers both residential and commercial are expected to enjoy between 10%-30% reduction.

The PURC which announced the reduction early this month, said residential customers will now enjoy 17.5% reduction, whilst non-residential customers will enjoy 30% reduction.

The mines are also entitled to 10% reduction, with special load tariff customers also enjoying 25% reduction.

On a day when the reduction is expected to take effect, the ECG has issued a statement saying prepaid consumers will experience the full benefit of the price reduction only after the April 1. Consumers on credit will, however, enjoy the full price reduction from today. 

According to the ECG PRO, William Boateng, the billing system for prepaid users is done usually at the end of the month.

He was however quick to add that all prepaid consumers who are likely to buy power from March 15 will have refunds later after April 1.

Even though the reductions are expected to bring some relief to Ghanaians, Adam Mutawakilu insists all is not going to be rosy.

He said PURC which was responsible for the price reductions, either had no clue why they reduced the tariffs or were not prepared to provide any explanations.

According to him, they were completely disappointed after the PURC failed to respond to all the legitimate questions on their minds as members of the Energy committee of Parliament.

He said the PURC could not explain the rationale behind the reductions.

In their statement, they indicated that the capacity for AMERI has been reduced but when you asked them whether they had renegotiated the AMERI agreement, they wouldn’t respond; they said transmission losses had been reduced from four percent to 3.8 percent and when you asked how they did that they won’t respond, Mutawakilu stated.

He was even surprised that at the time the distribution and transmission companies were requesting for hikes in electricity prices, the government together with the PURC rather announced a reduction.

The reduction, he stated would lead to debts which will negatively affect the power sector.

Officials of the PURC were unavailable for comment when Myjoyonline.com attempted to reach them.