Electricity and water consumers are calling on government to reject the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s proposed increases of 3.49% for electricity and 0.85% for water, set to take effect July 1.
They argue the hikes will worsen cost-of-living pressures for households and small businesses already grappling with high fuel prices and steep utility bills.
Speaking to fmnewsonline.com on the streets, consumers said: “Government must reject the proposed PURC 3.49% increase in electricity tariffs and 0.85% rise in water tariffs effective July 1.”
According to them, this is not the time to add more weight to already stretched household budgets.
While PURC is mandated to adjust tariffs quarterly to reflect inflation, exchange rates, and fuel costs, they contend the timing is wrong given the current economic hardship.
Small businesses, food vendors, and cold store operators would feel the impact most, they added.
PURC has not released a detailed breakdown, but the Commission typically adjusts tariffs under its Automatic Adjustment Formula to cover the cost of generation, transmission, distribution, and water treatment.
The Commission says the adjustments are necessary to keep utilities financially viable and prevent load shedding.
