ASEC BLOG

The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC) has strongly opposed any plans by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to increase electricity tariffs.  The think tank argues that inefficiencies, illegalities, and a lack of consumer value in the sector must be addressed before any price adjustments are considered. ASEC insists that a rigorous national debate and a thorough examination of the electricity distribution system must precede any tariff hikes. The organisation contends that the Public Utility Act prioritises consumer interests in setting electricity rates, but this mandate has been overlooked for years. While reflective tariffs are essential for operational sustainability, ASEC maintains that the sector must resolve its deep-seated inefficiencies before shifting additional financial burdens onto consumers. “ASEC demands a regulatory framework that requires electricity distribution companies to show proof of at least a 95% collection rate before any tariff increa...

The Africa Sustainable Energy Centre (ASEC), is advocating for the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to privatise part of its operations. This move, we believe, will enable the nation’s power provider to focus on its core technical duties such as maintaining and upgrading infrastructure while handing over administrative and commercial aspects to investors.  This comes amid growing concerns about the recent irregular power supply across the country. As a result, the average Ghanaian has had to endure spates of unstable electricity leaving them in search of alternative sources of power that are relatively expensive. Historically, ECG has been plagued with numerous operational and financial challenges, outdated infrastructure, inefficient technology, and rampant electricity theft that have all contributed to frequent power outages, colloquially known as ‘dumsor.’  The company’s massive debts, partly due to unpaid bills from residential, commercial, and governmental bodies, furth...