The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has dismissed circulating reports suggesting that electricity tariffs have been increased by more than 225%, describing them as misleading and false.
In a statement on his Facebook page, the spokesperson and Head of Communication at the ministry Richmond Rockson clarified that what is currently underway is an investment hearing process for utility service providers, and not an automatic tariff adjustment. According to the Ministry, the hearings form part of the PURCs ongoing regulatory reforms aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the country’s utility sector.
The investment hearings allow electricity, water, and other utility companies to present their proposed projects and financing requirements. These submissions are then subjected to a rigorous review process by the PURC, using its established rate-setting guidelines. The final outcome of the hearings will guide any future tariff decisions, but no approval has yet been given for such significant hikes.
This clarification comes against the backdrop of public concern following some online reports claiming that electricity tariffs were set to rise steeply. Richmond Rockson stressed that while utility companies have submitted proposals, these are only preliminary inputs into the regulatory process, not final determinations.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition assured consumers that it remains committed to protecting their interests while ensuring that utility providers receive fair and sustainable rates to deliver reliable services.