February 16, 2011

The Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Alfred Agbesi has welcomed the reduction in utility tariffs by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

He said though the decrease in tariffs is marginal, the fact that Ghanaians have not been asked to pay more on utilities is a positive move worth commending.

The PURC which announced the new tariffs yesterday, stated that the new prices take effect from March 1st to May 31st which is consistent with the PURC’s new initiative to review the tariffs quarterly.

For electricity, residential consumers within 0 – 50 units will pay GH¢9.50, representing no change from the June figure. Consumers between 51 – 150 will now pay 15.95 pesewas per unit instead of 17 pesewas previously. The category of consumers between 151 – 300 will pay the same amount. Those consuming between 301 and 600units will now pay 20.70pesewas as against 21 pesewas previously.

For non-residential electricity consumers, users between 0 – 100 will pay 22.93 pesewas instead of 26 pesewas. Consumers between 101 – 300 will pay the same.

For water, residential consumers who use between 0 – 200 gallons will pay 79.05p per gallon as against 80p while consumers of 200 gallons plus, will pay 118.50p per gallon instead 120p.

Non-residential consumers are expected to pay 168.45, reduced from 180p previously.

Speaking on e.tv breakfast TV show, on Wednesday 16th February 2011, the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, Alfred Agbesi, stated that the decision not to increase tariffs is a good start and an indication of better things to come from the ever- caring NDC government.

He noted that the government which is committed to ensuring that the welfare of Ghanaians is improved, will continue to churn out policies that will bring a lot of relief for Ghanaians in these difficult economic times.

Story by : Kwadwo Anim/ghanamps.gov.gh