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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 33684, member: 636"]
Energy consultant Patrick Nyarko called recent utility increases unfriendly to customers during a GBC Radio Central interview on April 15. He said the 14.75% electricity hike alongside the 4.02% water increase should match service quality and what people can afford. Nyarko believes the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission favors investors over regular customers despite its role as a mediator between both groups. He argued that tariff regulation must protect public interest beyond written requirements.

Nyarko claimed NPP manages tariffs better than NDC, suggesting the opposition faces backlash for politicizing increases when they weren't in power. The public expected negative reactions because the hikes came early in 2025. Several factors drive these adjustments, including exchange rates, fuel costs, inflation, energy sources, and under-recovery situations where service costs exceed income. These hidden factors matter greatly when officials review rates.

Nyarko questioned the transparency behind recent increases. He insisted that PURC should have published exact under-recovery figures to help citizens understand future adjustments. The consultant rejected claims about PURC independence, stating that the current administration cannot dodge responsibility for these decisions. He explained that governments can pause increases through subsidies instead of raising rates.
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