Suspend Automatic Adjustment Formula – PURC told

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has been impressed upon not to implement the Automatic Adjustment Formula for the final quarter of the year.

The Consumer Protection Agency argues that since the supply of utilities especially electricity has not been regular, the Commission should not consider any review to tariffs.

The Formula ensures that utility tariffs are reviewed every quarter. Though began in January, the Formula has been implemented twice after its second quarter review was suspended for implementation in the third quarter.

“I don’t think it will be prudent for PURC [to review tariffs],” stated Kofi Capito, the Executive Director of the Agency, on Thursday, September 25 at a press conference.

‘Confusing’

He said stakeholders in the energy sector have stingy with the truth over the country’s energy situation.

“What Ghanaians want is the truth. Let us know when we are going to go over the challenges.”

According to him, the energy situation is close to zilch in the country.

The situation warranted the shedding of load across the country. A guide was published last Monday to guide the loadshedding exercise.

Mr Capito, a consumer rights advocate, insisted that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which designed the guide, must strictly stick to it.

He blamed the stakeholders for the current situation.

“This promise from government itself, utility companies themselves and the regulator, PURC, is quite confusing.”