Residents in the Keta Municipality say they are unwilling to accept any new electricity or water tariff increases until utility providers fix long-standing supply challenges that have disrupted livelihoods and crippled small businesses.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has proposed 9.86% electricity and 15.92% water tariff increases starting January 2026, but many residents argue that utility companies must first demonstrate improved service delivery.
For communities that have endured frequent blackouts, poor water flow and an unreliable supply chain for months, the announcement has only heightened frustration.
“Fix the service first before asking us to pay more” — Residents
Madam Dziedzorm Abla Dzivenu of Abor said the proposed increment felt unfair, citing the recent shutdown of the Agordome Water Treatment Plant, which severely affected water supply in the area.
“How can you raise tariffs when we don’t get water? The plant closure reduced flow and many businesses suffered,” she said.
She added that electricity supply in the municipality had become unpredictable, with multiple outages daily.
“Sometimes the lights go off three or four times in a day. How do we survive this and still pay more?” she questioned, calling on PURC to prioritise stable service before any tariff adjustment.
Businesses on the brink as utilities falter
Mr Jasper Kumedzro, another resident, described the situation as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” warning that businesses in Keta were struggling to stay afloat due to the inconsistent supply of essential utilities.
“Households are suffering. Businesses are collapsing. PURC must understand our reality before increasing tariffs,” he said.
He urged government agencies to provide immediate intervention, adding that tariff increases without service improvement would worsen the hardships of already vulnerable households.
PURC justifies the review, promises long-term improvements
The PURC has defended its proposal, saying the increases are necessary to support investment in infrastructure, account for inflation, and cover the rising cost of fuel and exchange rate pressures.
The Commission has also indicated that mini-grid tariffs will be introduced to expand electricity access in island and remote communities, while quarterly reviews will continue to reflect changes in external economic conditions.
Earlier in April 2025, PURC increased electricity tariffs by 14.75% and water tariffs by 4.02%, citing persistent under-recovery of revenue by utility companies.
Residents call for fairness and accountability
While acknowledging the financial challenges facing utility companies, residents insist the burden should not be placed solely on consumers who receive inconsistent services.
Many worry that the new tariffs could worsen economic pressures, trigger higher inflation, and push small businesses into closure if electricity and water remain unreliable.
Residents say they expect the government to intervene to ensure:
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Constant water and electricity supply
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Transparent use of revenue by utility companies
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Protection for low-income households
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Improvements before price increases
For now, Keta residents remain hopeful that national authorities will intervene to first resolve supply challenges before PURC’s proposed tariffs take effect.
