The Public Regulatory Utilities Commission (PURC) has raised electricity and natural gas costs by 18.36% for all consumer groups.
In a statement, PURC noted that the decision was made to strike a compromise between preventing extended power outages and their negative effects on businesses and livelihoods while limiting the impact of rate hikes on consumers.
The Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism aims to track and reflect changes in important parameters affecting natural gas and electricity tariffs.
Following a review, the decision was made for the second quarter of 2023.
According to PURC, forex-related debts due to power producers have risen by GHC1.2 billion as a result of the failure to implement the recommended 44% rate hike in the last adjustment window. It should be noted that, despite the utility suppliers’ request for a 44% increase to clear outstanding bills, the PURC only approved a 29% increase.
Since then, the outstanding 15% is reported to have amassed an additional debt of roughly GHC1.2 billion.
Major independent power producers have threatened to shut down their plants if the government does not pay the arrears.
PLEASE READ THEIR STATEMENT BELOW.
