The Institute of Energy Security (IES) has embraced the numerous calls for the merger of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and the Energy Commission of Ghana.
The merger, which has been of concern to many industry players, aims to streamline the functions of these regulatory bodies.
In justifying its support for the merger, IES said combining the two regulatory entities into a single body will not only lead to cost savings but also enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of energy regulation in Ghana.
Executive Director of IES, Nana Amoasi IV, believes that a unified regulatory authority would significantly improve policy formulation and implementation within the sector.
However, Appiah Kusi Adomako, the West African Director of CUTS International, believes that keeping PURC and the Energy Commission separate is vital for maintaining their regulatory effectiveness and independence.
He completely opposed the merger of the two regulatory bodies.
“I think there is a good reason for the two agencies to be separated. PURC is an economic regulator of energy and water whereas Energy Commission is a technical regulator. When you merge them, what might happen is that you set a regulatory capture by the minister.
“As of now, PURC reports directly to the president, and merging the two will fall under the energy ministry’s purview, which will also take away the independence of PURC.
“I have not seen the Act and how it is structured, but I think that is not something they should do,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the bill on the proposed merger is expected to be presented to Parliament soon.