PARTICIPANTS at the public forum in Ho, in the Volta Re­gion, have expressed their opposition to the initiative by the Public Utility Regulatory Commis­sion (PURC) to raise utility tariffs. The forum was organised by the PURC to encourage the public to accept an increase in water and electricity tariffs. The participants contended that the PURC, meant to advo­cate consumer interests, appeared to consistently support utility service providers at the expense of consumers, stressing that the time had come for both service providers to exhibit a higher level of competence in managing their organisations. He stated that his organisation would consistently evaluate the circumstances presented by service providers alongside the concerns of citizens prior to making any decisions. Mr Asaga clarified that the proposals submitted by utility ser­vice providers for tariff increases remained merely proposals at this stage, and the interests of con­sumers will be taken into account before a final decision is made regarding the necessity of a tariff hike.