Only 36% of businesses described electricity as very or mostly reliable – KPMG, UNDP survey

A recent survey conducted by KPMG and the United Nations Development Programme has found that only 36% of businesses view electricity as very or mostly reliable. The study also revealed that 47% of these businesses encounter occasional power interruptions. Furthermore, 44% of the surveyed companies prioritize affordable and predictable electricity tariffs. The survey underscores the impact of power interruptions, affordability, and billing issues on business operations.

According to the report, the government and sector institutions should focus on improving feeder-level reliability, ensuring meter accuracy, resolving complaints, and disclosing service-quality performance in key areas. While a tariff hold may provide short-term stability, it cannot replace the need for operational improvements.

The report suggests that the Electricity Company of Ghana's distribution reform should address billing accuracy, technical and commercial losses, and a transparent treatment of public-service obligations.

The International Monetary Fund's November review also emphasized the importance of completing the delayed audit of Electricity Company of Ghana's collection accounts. Any extended-hours tariff arrangements must be evaluated against cost recovery and actual electricity demand. Focus-group participants cited billing disputes and power interruptions as operational constraints that hinder production and cash-flow planning.

They emphasized the need for better metering, distribution performance, and transparent service standards as essential for reliable production.

The survey's respondents were predominantly male, with 75% identifying as such. Additionally, 66.1% of the participants resided in the Greater Accra region.