Electricity tariffs to remain unchanged until July 1 – PURC

Electricity tariffs shall remain unchanged until the end of the second quarter of 2019, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has said.

The PURC, in a statement, said changes in electricity tariffs, which is expected to take effect on July 1, 2019, will be announced in due course.

The decision to maintain electricity tariffs, according to the PURC is due to “critical emerging issues in the sector which are expected to affect the final tariff setting.”

The emerging issues are related to the planned relocation of the Karpowership Plant resulting in fuel switch savings, from Heavy Fuel Oil (HFC) to Natural Gas.”

The PURC was expected to announce new tariffs on February 1.

But even before the announcement, some persons were speculating a reduction in the cost of electricity.

Some also said the cost of electricity is expected to increase particularly as the new partner for the Electricity Company of Ghana comes on board.

But the Head of Public Affairs and External Relations of the PURC, Bawah Munkaila subsequently indicated they are yet to decide what the new tariffs should be.

Reduction in price of natural gas

The statement additionally stated that reduction in the price of natural gas is anticipated due to “ongoing negotiations by the government.”

The Commission is also expected to closely monitor the operations of Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited, which is expected to take over the operation of ECG assets on February 28, 2019.

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By: Marian Ansah| citinewsroom.com