Ghana’s major industrial and commercial electricity consumers, known as bulk customers, have intensified calls for significant tariff reductions and enhanced service reliability, warning that high power costs and inconsistent supply are undermining their competitiveness and the broader economy.
In a high-level stakeholder engagement hosted by the Energy Commission, over 15 bulk customers engaged directly with regulators, including representatives from the Electricity Market Oversight Panel (EMOP). The session was chaired by Mr. Samuel Kwadwo Sarpong, Chairman of EMOP, and Mr. Anthony C. Bleboo, Director for Electricity and Natural Gas at the Energy Commission.
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Participants highlighted that current tariffs—particularly demand charges—are poorly aligned with actual consumption patterns, posing threats to operational sustainability. Some stakeholders advocated for reductions of up to 30 percent, while others demanded greater transparency in price determination processes.
Complaints also focused on service quality issues, including frequent minor outages, voltage fluctuations, and delayed fault responses from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which stakeholders said lead to substantial production losses and equipment damage. Bulk customers expressed frustration that ECG often treats them similarly to residential users, disregarding their large-scale investments and economic contributions.
Despite these concerns, participants commended the “clear, predictable, and efficient” permitting process allowing bulk customers to participate directly in the wholesale electricity market.
Mr. Samuel Kwadwo Sarpong emphasized collaboration in his opening remarks: “We do not see ourselves as adversaries. 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.”
Key demands included clearer service-level agreements, differentiated treatment for high-volume users, and alignment of off-peak tariffs with Ghana’s 24-hour economy agenda.
The Energy Commission responded positively, committing to a technical review of bulk customer tariff structures. Additional measures include developing service quality benchmarks, improving consultation mechanisms for future adjustments, and issuing a joint circular with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and ECG to clarify bulk customers’ rights and obligations.
