Energy analyst Benjamin Nsiah has called on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to adopt a more transparent tariff-setting framework similar to that used by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

The call follows PURC's decision to increase electricity tariffs by 3.49 per cent and water tariffs by 0.85 per cent for the third quarter of 2026.

In a statement, Mr Nsiah argued that PURC's tariff adjustment process lacks sufficient transparency, making it difficult for consumers to assess whether utility tariffs reflect actual costs and prevailing market conditions.

He said the regulator does not disclose the weighting assigned to key factors used in determining electricity and water tariffs, including the exchange rate, inflation, the generation mix and the weighted average cost of gas (WACOG).

Mr Nsiah contrasted PURC's approach with the NPA's petroleum pricing framework, which he described as more transparent because it publishes detailed pricing guidelines, including pricing benchmarks, conversion factors, pricing windows and ex-pump prices.

According to him, the NPA's disclosure practices enable stakeholders to understand the factors driving fuel price adjustments and independently verify pricing decisions.

He urged PURC to publish a comprehensive weighting framework for the market and macroeconomic indicators used in tariff reviews to enhance public confidence and improve regulatory accountability.

Mr Nsiah also recommended that the Commission regularly publish updates on key variables such as exchange rate movements, inflation, natural gas costs and any changes to the weighting or conversion factors that affect tariff calculations.

He said institutionalising such disclosure practices, rather than relying on ad hoc communication, would improve transparency, reduce perceptions of arbitrary tariff adjustments and allow consumers and utility providers to anticipate future changes based on established economic indicators.

Mr Nsiah concluded that adopting disclosure practices similar to those of the NPA would strengthen the credibility of PURC's tariff-setting process and promote greater public confidence in utility pricing.