The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an upward review of electricity and water tariffs, with consumers set to pay more for utility services from July 1, 2026.
Under the Commission’s third-quarter tariff review, electricity tariffs have been increased by 3.49 per cent across board, while water tariffs have been adjusted upward by 0.85 per cent.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, PURC said the adjustments were made in line with its mandate to undertake quarterly tariff reviews to reflect changes in key operational factors affecting utility service providers.
According to the Commission, the review considered movements in the Ghana cedi-dollar exchange rate, inflation, electricity generation mix, and the cost of natural gas used in power generation.
PURC explained that the quarterly adjustments are intended to maintain the real value of tariffs and ensure that utility providers remain financially viable while continuing to deliver reliable services to consumers.
The Commission applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to one US dollar for the third quarter of 2026, representing a 0.2 per cent depreciation of the cedi compared to the previous quarter.
It also used a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 per cent, down from 4.17 per cent in the second quarter, while the weighted average cost of natural gas declined by 1.58 per cent to USD7.9708 per MMBtu.
The hydro-thermal generation mix remained unchanged at 20.9 per cent hydro and 79.1 per cent thermal generation.
Based on the combined impact of these indicators, PURC approved a 3.49 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for residential, non-residential and special load tariff customers.
For residential consumers, the lifeline tariff for users consuming up to 30 kilowatt-hours monthly increased from 86.9Gp per kilowatt-hour to 89.93Gp per kilowatt-hour.
Water tariffs were also adjusted upward by 0.85 per cent across all customer categories, including residential, commercial, industrial, public institutions and bulk consumers.
Under the revised rates, the residential lifeline tariff for water consumption of up to five cubic metres rose from 593.49Gp per cubic metre to 598.54Gp per cubic metre.
PURC said it remains committed to monitoring the performance of utility service providers and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards to guarantee value for money and improved service delivery.
The Commission expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued support in implementing quarterly tariff reviews and indicated that the decision will be published in the Gazette and on its website in due course.
