The Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) has justified its decision to increase electricity by 12.9% and 6.1% for water which takes effect on Thursday.

It said the increase in electricity tariff is to sustain the load shedding and not to enhance quality of service.

The Public and External Affairs Director of the PURC, Nana Yaa Jantuah, says the Commission had to implement the second quarter figures of 12.9% for electricity and 6.1% for water instead of the third quarter increase of 31.56% and 14.30% to save consumers the burden of extra hardships.

In an interview with Radio Ghana, Madam Jantuah said the Commission could further defer the third quarter figures should gas flow from the Atuabo Gas processing plant delay.

Meanwhile, a visit to some parts of town suggests that people are worried about the increase in electricity and water tariffs.

They say with the increase, prices of other products will shoot up, thereby bringing a lot of hardship.