Business News of Monday, 3 June 2013

Source: Joy Online

PURC to begin tariff increase consultations

Utility providers will later Monday take their case for increases in tariff to the public, as the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) begins consultations on the matter.

The PURC will review proposals from the utility companies for an upward adjustment in tariff.

Public Relations Director of PURC, Nana Yaa Gyantuah, says details of the proposed tariff increases will be published as part of the broad consultations.

The process is likely to be finalised before the end of June. The new tariff may take effect from July.

It has been nearly two years since the last tariff review. Madam Gyantuah says it is now right to consider new tariff proposals.

She explained that the current review process is one of the “major tariff review” processes the PURC holds every two to three years, and said if there is no need for tariff increases after the process, it will not happen.

Deputy Information and Media Relations Minister, Murtala Mohamed, has said government is concerned about the burden an increased tariff will have on the Ghanaian, due to the timing of the proposed utility tariff increase.