Keta: Residents in Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have expressed frustration following the Public Utility Regulatory Commission's (PURC) approval of a 1.14 per cent increase in electricity tariffs. The decision has sparked concern about the impact on household budgets and business operations across the municipality and the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the PURC has justified the tariff adjustment as necessary to support utility companies in managing operational costs and ensuring sustainable service delivery. The hike was aimed to help providers cope with financial pressures affecting their services. Under the new tariff structure, residential consumers using 0-300kWh of electricity would pay GHS 180.19/kWh, while non-residential users will face a rate of GHS 202.17/kWh. These adjustments reflect PURC's efforts to balance consumer interests with utility company needs.
Mr. George Awudi, a resident of Dzelukope, a suburb of Keta, conveyed in an interview that many residents were worried about the added strain on household finances, particularly for those with limited incomes. He emphasized that the increase could exacerbate economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens already battling with the rising cost of living, and called for government intervention to prevent further troubles.
He further explained that the tariff hike had also raised concerns for businesses, which fear that increased operational expenses would affect competitiveness and potentially lead to higher prices for goods and services. Madam Sese Amegbo, a businesswoman, noted that the PURC had previously implemented several tariff adjustments, including a 2.45 per cent increase in June 2025. This highlighted ongoing challenges in balancing utility sustainability with consumer affordability.
Amidst public discontent, there have been growing appeals for government support to mitigate the impact on vulnerable households. Some critics have advocated targeted subsidies or other measures to cushion low-income consumers. Other individuals such as cold store operators, fashion designers, and hairdressers have expressed worry about the new tariff adjustment, appealing to the government to intervene to save their businesses.
The country's economy faces broader challenges, contributing to higher cost-of-living pressures, and the new electricity tariff increase is expected to affect affordability and economic well-being for many citizens. Meanwhile, some key factors influencing the PURC's tariff decisions include inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and rising fuel costs. The commission has considered these elements as crucial in ensuring utilities remain viable.
The PURC also indicated that the ongoing review of tariff structures aims to align with economic realities and utility needs, signaling potential future adjustments based on evolving circumstances in the country's energy sector. The commission emphasized transparency in its decision-making processes, ensuring a fair and sustainable tariff balance for both consumers and providers.