The Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) has assured the public that it will consider the interest of all stakeholders in determining the new utility tariffs.

This Head of Public Relations and External Affairs of PURC disclosed this in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

According to Ali Simon Jarana, the Commission will also consider the interest of the investor community and the interest of the utility companies before announcing the new tariffs.

“PURC will weigh the concerns of the consuming public and other stakeholders. We’ll consider the interest of the consuming public and the investor community and protect the interest of the utility company by making sure that it is financially viable.

“We will also look at our regulatory benchmark, including the allowable losses, and all these are put together, so it isn’t just an academic exercise,” he said.

The PURC has up to July 2022 to announce new utility tariffs.

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has proposed that its tariffs be increased by 148% for 2022 and with 7.6% average adjustments between the periods of 2023 to 2026.

The proposed sharp increment, according to ECG, is due to the gap between the actual cost recovery tariff and PURC-approved tariffs, as well as the cost of completed projects.

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) also demands a 334% increase in tariff.

The GWCL, in its proposal, said over the years that the approved tariffs have not been fully cost-reflective.

However, the PURC is expected to hold broad consultations with all stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, on the proposals and finalise the agreed percentage increase it will allow.