The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an upward adjustment in utility tariffs, increasing electricity prices by 3.49 per cent and water tariffs by 0.85 per cent for the third quarter of 2026, effective July 1.
The Commission explained that the quarterly tariff review is part of its regulatory mandate to periodically adjust utility charges in line with changing economic and operational conditions within the review period.
It noted that the adjustments reflect key factors outside the control of utility service providers, including exchange rate fluctuations between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, inflation trends, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of natural gas used in thermal power production.
In a statement signed by Executive Secretary, Dr. Shafic Suleman, the Commission said the review is intended to ensure tariffs remain reflective of current economic realities while maintaining the financial sustainability of utility providers.
For the period under review, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to the US dollar, representing a marginal depreciation of the cedi by 0.2 per cent. Inflation averaged 3.43 per cent, down from 4.17 per cent in the previous quarter, while the cost of natural gas declined by 1.58 per cent to US$7.9708 per MMBtu. The hydro-thermal power mix remained unchanged at 20.9 per cent hydro and 79.1 per cent thermal.
Based on these variables, electricity tariffs across residential, non-residential, and special load categories have all been increased by 3.49 per cent. The lifeline tariff for residential consumers using up to 30 kWh per month has moved from 86.9 pesewas to 89.93 pesewas per kWh.
Water tariffs have also been adjusted upward by 0.85 per cent across all consumer classes, including households, businesses, industries, and public institutions. The lifeline tariff for residential water users consuming up to five cubic metres has risen from 593.49 pesewas to 598.54 pesewas per cubic metre.
The PURC indicated that it will continue to monitor utility service providers to ensure compliance with service standards and protect consumers’ value for money. The new tariff structure will be officially published in the government gazette and on the Commission’s website.