Citing the necessity for the reinstatement of important consultation organizations and the implementation of more extensive consumer involvement, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has been encouraged by the Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) to halt its previously announced utility pricing increases.
This comes after the PURC announced that, beginning of May 2, 2025, water and energy rates would increase by 4.02% and 14.75%, respectively. The CPA’s Director of Mediation and Arbitration, Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, released a statement expressing the agency’s worry that the PURC might not have sufficiently communicated with customers prior to authorizing the pricing hikes.
“As a matter of urgency, we are calling on the PURC to establish these committees so that a proper consultation can be conducted before any tariff adjustments are accepted by consumers,” the statement said. Since neither committee has been reorganized since the change of administration, the CPA emphasized the significance of the PURC’s Technical and External Committees. In order to evaluate utility tariff applications, including methodology, structure, and performance benchmarking, the Technical Committee is essential.
Role Of The External Committee
The External Committee, established under Part 3, Section 31 of the PURC Act 1997 (Act 538), serves as a regional liaison between the Commission, utility providers, and consumers, providing feedback on service quality and consumer issues. The CPA argues that these committees are essential for ensuring transparency and representation in regulatory decisions, particularly those affecting consumers directly. “We strongly believe that the PURC didn’t do much consultation, and also the interest of consumers was not properly represented,” the statement added.
The agency also raised concerns regarding unresolved consumer complaints related to electricity and water services, emphasizing that these issues should be addressed before any price adjustments are implemented. “The PURC, per its mandate, is to ensure uninterrupted power supply 24/7 and reliable water services.”
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