Tariff hike: Consumers paying 70% for power, not 59%

Power consumers are to pay 10% more for electricity in addition to the 59.2% recent upward adjustment announced by the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC).

A letter available to ClassFMonline.com indicates that the commission, apart from the 59.2% increase, also directed state power distributor, Electricity Company of Ghana, to charge an additional 10%, resulting in a cumulative hike of 70% beginning 1st January, 2016.

According to the letter, which was signed by Samuel Sarpong, the Executive Secretary of PURC, consumers are supposed to bear the charges, which comprise a 5% increase approved by Parliament for a street light levy and another 5% billing for the national electrification charge.

Meanwhile information gathered also indicates that consumers are supposed to pay a regular monthly service fee ranging from GHS6.33 to about GHS60 depending on their consumption and user classification.

PURC indicates that the increments were based on the Energy Sector Levy Act, 2015 (Act 899), which was passed by parliament and approved by President John Mahama.

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