Put on hold tariff increases - Consumer Protection Agency to PURC

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) is calling on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to suspend its proposed utility tariff adjustments scheduled to take effect on May 3, 2025.

This follows the PURC's recent announcement of a 14.75% increase in electricity tariffs and a 4.02% hike in water charges—changes that have sparked concern among consumers and civil society actors.

In a statement signed by its Director of Mediation and Arbitration, Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, the CPA emphasized that the tariff review process lacked sufficient stakeholder consultation and consumer representation.

The agency is therefore demanding that the PURC halt the implementation of the new tariffs until its Technical and External Committees are fully reconstituted and operational.

According to the CPA, both committees—critical to ensuring transparency and fairness in utility tariff deliberations—have remained inactive since the current administration took office, creating a vacuum in regulatory oversight.

“The PURC Technical Committee’s core mandate is to review and assess tariff applications, examine technical and operational audit reports, and advise the Commission on pricing methodology and benchmarking,” the CPA explained.

The statement further stressed the importance of the External Committee, which, under Section 31 of the PURC Act, 1997 (Act 538), serves as a bridge between the Commission, utility providers, and consumers—especially in areas without PURC offices.

“These committees are meant to serve as the Commission’s ‘eyes and ears’ on the ground. Their absence undermines consumer engagement and compromises the integrity of the tariff review process,” the CPA warned.

The agency also pointed to unresolved issues in service delivery by utility companies, arguing that such deficiencies should be addressed before any price adjustments are introduced.

“We strongly believe the PURC didn’t do much consultation, and the interest of consumers was not properly represented,” the CPA concluded.

The call comes amid growing public concern over the cost of living, with many urging regulatory authorities to prioritize transparency and fairness in utility pricing.