The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has come to the defense of recent tariff hikes, asserting that consumers are receiving value for their money despite ongoing issues with power outages and inconsistent water supply. Dr. Eric Obutey, the Director of Research and Corporate Affairs at PURC, addressed concerns raised by the public regarding the impact of these price increases on utility services during an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Dr. Obutey acknowledged the public's frustration, particularly in regions facing power cuts and water shortages, but emphasized that utility providers are operating within the regulatory benchmarks set by the Commission. According to Dr. Obutey, these benchmarks include monitoring system losses—both technical and commercial—as well as the duration of outages experienced by consumers. The latest assessments indicate that most service providers are meeting these benchmarks, reflecting compliance with the set standards.
However, the increase in tariffs has sparked significant public outcry, with many consumers questioning the justification for higher prices while facing unreliable services. In response to this growing frustration, Dr. Obutey explained that equipment failures are an inevitable aspect of utility operations. He further noted that planned maintenance, which is usually communicated in advance, is often necessary, while unplanned faults can lead to unexpected disruptions. Although these interruptions may cause inconvenience, Dr. Obutey pointed out that utility companies may not always have enough time to notify the public when sudden breakdowns occur.
The PURC's defense of the tariff hikes comes amid mounting pressure from consumers who feel that the quality of service does not align with the increased costs. Despite the challenges, the Commission maintains that the current tariff structure is essential for the continued operation and improvement of utility services across the country.
As Ghana’s utility companies strive to address ongoing challenges, the PURC's stance is likely to remain a subject of debate as consumers continue to voice their dissatisfaction with the reliability of services. While the tariff hikes are aimed at improving infrastructure and services, the public’s demand for consistent and reliable power and water supplies remains a key concern.
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