Ghana’s largest industrial and commercial electricity consumers are calling for urgent tariff reforms and improved service reliability, warning that current power costs are eroding their competitiveness.
Chaired by Mr. Samuel Kwadwo Sarpong, Chairman of the Electricity Market Oversight Panel (EMOP), and Mr. Anthony C. Bleboo, Director for Electricity and Natural Gas at the Energy Commission, the high-level engagement brought together over 15 bulk customers and regulators.
The message was direct. Electricity tariffs, particularly demand charges, are misaligned with consumption patterns and threaten operational sustainability. Some stakeholders explicitly called for tariff reductions of up to 30 percent. Others demanded greater transparency in how electricity prices are determined.
Yet even as they pushed for change, stakeholders acknowledged what works. The permitting process for bulk customers to participate directly in the wholesale electricity market was praised as “clear, predictable, and efficient.”
But on the other hand, frequent minor outages, voltage fluctuations, and slow fault response times are causing significant production losses and equipment damage. Stakeholders also expressed frustration over communication from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which they say treats them as ordinary residential customers, ignoring their scale and investment.
“We do not see ourselves as adversaries,” said Mr. Samuel Kwadwo Sarpong in his opening remarks. “Our role is to ensure that the market works for everyone: consumers, utilities, and the nation. When bulk customers speak, we listen. When they hurt, the economy hurts. That is why we are here.”
Clearer service-level agreements and differentiated treatment for high-volume consumers were among the key demands tabled.
The Energy Commission has responded with a firm commitment to reform. A technical review of bulk customer tariff structures is now underway, alongside the development of service quality benchmarks and improved consultation mechanisms ahead of future tariff adjustments.
Regulators have also pledged to clarify the rights and obligations of bulk customers through a joint circular with PURC and ECG. With Ghana pursuing its 24-hour economy agenda, the alignment of off-peak tariffs with national policy objectives is also being examined.
The message from both sides is clear. Dialogue is ending. Delivery is beginning.
Source: energycrossroad.com
