PURC opens nationwide hearings on utility tariff proposals

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has launched a nationwide series of public hearings on proposals submitted by utility companies under the 2025–2029 Multi-Year Tariff Review.

As part of the process, the Commission met with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Accra to discuss the proposals and gather perspectives from organised labour and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the hearing, PURC’s Executive Secretary, Dr Shafic Suleman, said the initiative was designed to strengthen trust between utilities and consumers while ensuring decisions are transparent and fair.

“The goal of creating this platform is to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in tariff setting, while ensuring that the Commission’s decisions strike a balance between economic realities and social considerations,” Dr Suleman explained.

He underscored the importance of including labour unions in the process, describing the TUC as a longstanding defender of workers’ welfare.

“The TUC has historically been the vanguard of social justice, defending not only wages and employment but also the purchasing power and dignity of the Ghanaian worker,” Dr Suleman said. “Your perspective ensures that the Commission’s decisions are grounded in real economic and labour conditions.”

Concerns Over Tariff Impact

The meeting addressed several pressing issues, including the potential effect of tariff adjustments on households and the need for reliable, affordable electricity and water to support national policy initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy. Other topics included the importance of social equity, national stability, and the long-term welfare of Ghanaians in shaping utility reforms.

TUC Secretary-General Joshua Ansah emphasised the significance of meaningful stakeholder engagement in the tariff review process. He urged participants to carefully examine the proposals submitted by utility providers and contribute constructively.

“We must pay attention to the presentations from utility companies and make useful contributions,” Mr Ansah stated. He further appealed to government to act decisively against illegal mining, which continues to pollute water bodies and drive up treatment costs for Ghana Water Limited.

“If these challenges are addressed, the cost of operations will reduce and workers will not have to bear the burden of excessive tariffs,” he said.

Broad Stakeholder Engagement

The ongoing public hearings, which began on September 8 in Accra, have already seen input from civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media. Utility companies, including the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Enclave Power Company Limited, Volta River Authority (VRA), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), Ghana National Gas Company, and Ghana Water Company Limited, have each defended their tariff proposals before the Commission.

The PURC confirmed that the hearings will continue in the coming weeks with regional engagements to give more citizens the opportunity to share their views. Feedback and recommendations will form part of the Commission’s final decision-making.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission is mandated to regulate the provision of electricity, water and natural gas services in Ghana, ensuring efficiency, fairness and sustainability across the sectors.