Abstract:
The study sought to examine the prospects and challenges of utility pricing
regulations on stakeholder protection. The descriptive survey design was used.
A total of 240 respondents were selected through convenient sampling
technique. The study was conducted within the Tamale Metropolitan Area of
the Northern Region. Questionnaires were the main instrument used in
collecting data from the respondents for the study. Data were collected after the
necessary ethical consideration and clearance had been sought. Responses from
the participants were analysed using SPSS 21. The study revealed that the level
of stakeholders satisfaction of utility regulation were significantly different
among the four categories of stakeholders (X² = 22.659, p <.05) with a mean
rank of 162.15 for Public Utilities Regulatory Commission staff, 133 for Ghana
Water Company Staff, 109.54 for consumers and 99.24 for VRA/NEDCo Staff.
The study further affirmed that the Commission approves rates chargeable for
provision of utility services in promoting and protecting stakeholders’ interest.
The study concluded that most stakeholders to a larger extent are fully aware of
some basic rights relative to consumer protection which implies that most
consumers have some form of knowledge regarding what to expect from utility
providers when they the consumer meet their obligation and expect the utility
providers to do same. Most consumers owing to the knowledge or awareness of
their rights may seek redress for any breach of their rights. It therefore
recommends that that there should be collaborative efforts of all sectors of
society to highlight more programmes on consumer awareness on consumer
protection laws in the utility sector to build knowledge
