The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) says it has not made any decision on tariff adjustment for the 2015 Major Tariff Review.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on Tuesday asked utility service companies to shelve proposals to increase tariffs, and asked the PURC to compel the service providers to rather reduce their technical and operational inefficiencies first.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the PURC in reaction to the calls, said it appeared the TUC had “taken an entrenched position without considering all the factors concerning the current load shedding situation in the country.”
Below is the full statement by the PURC.
RE; MAJOR TARIFF REVIEW 2015
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has taken note of a letter from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) which was posited in the media concerning the proposed Tariff Request from the Utility Service Providers.
The PURC wishes to indicate that no decision concerning tariff adjustment has been agreed upon by the Commission for the 2015 Major Tariff Review.
Considering the letter from the TUC it appears the Congress has taken an entrenched position without considering all the factors concerning the current load shedding situation in the country.
In protecting the interest of the consumer, the PURC is concerned with the impact of the current load shedding situation on all categories of consumers in the formal, informal and domestic sectors of the economy. The Commission will continue to monitor the situation and offer meaningful contributions to ensure that the impact of the situation is minimised.
The Commission takes cognisance of the position of the TUC that there should be an indication of availability of adequate power in the country as a way to reduce the burden of the load shedding on consumers.
The Commission in balancing the interest of the Consumer and the viability of the Utility Service Providers will ensure any decision concerning the 2015 Major Tariff Review will be in the interest of both the Consumer and the Utility Service Provider.
The TUC’s assertion indicating that the majority of consumers who participated in the public hearings and stakeholder consultations organized by the Commission were dissatisfied with the quality of service provided, is inaccurate and not a true reflection of proceedings at these fora.
The approach adopted by the Commission for tariff reviews is based on normative performance parameters which does not include outstanding debts and inefficiencies of the Utility Service Provider.
The PURC also appreciates the healthy engagements that exist between the Commission and the Trades Union Congress. It is hoped that going forward this healthy relationship will continue to exist on a cordial and mutually beneficial basis.
We wish to indicate that the Commission has responded to the concerns of the TUC stated in their letter which are relevant to our tariff review processes.
The Commission is therefore using this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders to dispassionately examine the incidence of inadequate electricity generation plaguing the country.
Thank you
Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah
Director, Public Relations & External Affairs
Source: Graphic.com.gh
