The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has dismissed suggestions that its decision to keep tariffs unchanged between now and the end of March could accumulate into higher tariffs next year.

The PURC after its latest review yesterday maintained electricity and water tariffs for the first quarter of next year.

In a statement, the commission cited the declining prices of crude oil on the world market and the stability in the exchange rate as two factors that positively influenced the decision.

Director of Public Affairs, Nana Yaa Gyantua explained that there were other factors that influenced the decision.

“The load factor is increasing, the hydrology at the Akosombo and BUI dams is not encouraging and water inflows are not the best so there is a tilt towards using thermal, gas and crude oil and that is why the tariffs have been maintained.”

She also confirmed that the ongoing load-shedding is expected to ease during this festive season.

“GRIDCo has informed us that they will push some power from industry to domestic consumers because most of these industries are not working during the yuletide.”

Despite the move, Nana Yaa Gyantuah entreated consumers to ensure that they maintain the attitude of conserving energy even during the period.

 The last time the PURC adjusted the tariffs on September 30, it announced an increase of 6.54 percent and 4.54 percent in electricity and water tariffs respectively.

The move was met with widespread criticism, with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) calling for its “immediate and unconditional reversal, labelling it “ill- timed” and “absolutely insensitive.”

However, according to the Commission, the increase in the tariffs for the third quarter of the year was agreed on, after careful consideration of all factors which form the basis of the Automatic Adjustment Formula.