TUC Warns PURC: Don’t increase utility tariffs until…

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is asking the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) to defer moves to increase utility tariffs in the country. According to them, PURC should instead ensure consistent utility supply before embarking on such an action. “…Our position on the 2015 major tariff review is that, PURC should first consider the availability and reliability of power before a review of tariffs. It is only when the people of Ghana, including workers in both formal and informal sectors of the economy, are sure of a reliable supply of power and water that they can be convinced to pay higher tariffs. The utility companies must be compelled to reduce their technical and operational inefficiencies as the condition for tariff review.”

Utility providers in the country are demanding over a 100 percent increment in tariffs; a proposal that has met fierce opposition from Ghanaians. The TUC in a statement signed by its acting Secretary General, Dr. Yaw Baah, said, “we are worried about the ever increasing utility tariffs which do not match the rate of increases in incomes.”

“We are also worried that Government is not initiating any policies or measures to manage the demand side of the energy sector. All the efforts seem to have concentrated on the supply side. There must be a balance between supply side and demand side measures in order to have a lasting solution to this debilitating power crisis.”

Dr. Baah stated that because “Ghanaian consumers are already paying heavily for the depreciation of the Ghana Cedi, the high inflation and real wages have fallen drastically especially since 2012,” the increment will further bring more discomfort to homes and families.

Source : Citi FM