The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a 4.22 per cent increase in average tariff for electricity.
Electricity prices for lifeline, commercial, and non-residential consumers, however, remained unchanged.
Based on the review of factors such as hydro-thermal generation mix, exchange rate, inflation rate, and ex-pump fuel prices, the PURC stated that the objective of the review was to maintain the true cost of delivering utility services.
In a statement signed by the Commission Executive Secretary, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, this quarter’s review is to track and incorporate changes in key factors used in determining electricity, water, and natural gas tariffs, to reduce the cross-subsidization between industrial and residential customers, and to ensure utilities companies are financially viable to sustain the supply of services while reducing the burden on consumers, particularly lifeline customers.
In terms of water tariffs, lifeline customers will also benefit from a freeze on tariff adjustments, with no increase or change (0%) in their rates.
However, for all other categories of water consumers, the PURC has approved a 1.18 percent increase in tariffs.
