The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has defended its proposal for a 225% increase in its distribution service charge, stressing that the adjustment is necessary to sustain efficient power delivery and improve service quality across the country.
Speaking at the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) public hearing in Takoradi, as part of the 2025–2029 multi-year tariff review process, Mr. William Boateng, Director of Communications at ECG, clarified that the proposed increase has been misunderstood by consumers.
He explained that the figure does not represent a direct 225% hike in consumer tariffs but rather an adjustment to one of the key components that determine the final electricity tariff.
Mr. Boateng emphasised that the adjustment is critical for ECG to maintain reliability, replace ageing infrastructure, and expand access to power in growing communities.
He stated, “It’s about 5 years’ tariff and we’re saying the money we’re using to work is not enough, and a lot of things go into it. When you look at our proposal and consider the operational costs and many other factors, where we are now will not help our work to progress.
“When you examine the funds allocated over the past three years, from 2022 to 2024, and ask us to account for it, it will illustrate the kind of investment we’ve made.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah, a presidential staffer and commissioner of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), emphasised that utilities have not been fair in their communication with consumers.
She explained that complaints received by the PURC indicated that customers often lack a full understanding of what they purchase, underscoring the need for better public engagement and transparency from utility providers.
She further noted that the core mandate of the PURC is to regulate public utility services to ensure quality, fairness, and transparency for consumers while supporting the financial viability of service providers.
This includes setting and approving utility rates, monitoring performance standards, protecting the interests of consumers and providers, promoting fair competition, and resolving complaints related to electricity and water services.
“But I have seen, and the commission has seen, that the utility companies do not engage their consumers. Today, we’ve heard a lot of complaints, and this is not where these complaints are supposed to be addressed.
“Because we came here to talk about tariffs, but when we consider the number of people who attended, out of 100%, about 90% of the discussions were about service issues. This shows that the utility providers are not engaging effectively.”
She added, “They need to improve their communication; it is currently very poor. However, we at the PURC, from today onwards, will not leave them out of the conversation.
“When consumers are not satisfied, what can we do? We’ll hold them accountable.”
Mrs. Jantuah urged all consumers to pay their bills, stating, “If you are caught with illegal connections, you will face the law.”
