Emmanuel Bedzrah, Chairman of Parliament’s Energy Committee, has firmly rejected any proposals from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), particularly their request for a 225% increase in the Distribution Service Charge. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on September 9, Bedzrah declared, “As Chairman, I will not approve anything ECG brings to us.”
ECG argues the massive tariff hike is essential to avoid financial collapse and ensure a stable power supply. However, Bedzrah’s stance reflects widespread frustration in Parliament, where both parties have criticized ECG’s handling of past tariff increases. “The last time they raised tariffs by 17%, we told them they should have consulted us first,” Bedzrah said, dismissing the proposed 225% hike as unacceptable.
Reflecting on his past role as Ranking Member for Works and Housing, Bedzrah admitted he once supported significant tariff increases, saying, “I was open to approving up to 300% for utilities back then.” However, as Energy Committee Chairman, he now opposes ECG’s proposals after hearing from stakeholders like the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and ECG itself.
The controversy coincides with PURC’s ongoing discussions over ECG’s tariff request and a proposed 280% tariff increase by the Ghana Water Company Limited, driven by challenges like pollution and illegal mining. Bedzrah’s firm rejection signals potential hurdles for ECG’s plans to address its financial woes.
