The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an upward adjustment in electricity and water tariffs, with consumers expected to pay more for utility services beginning July 1, 2026.
Under the Commission’s third-quarter tariff review, electricity tariffs have been increased by 3.49 per cent across all customer categories, while water tariffs have been adjusted upward by 0.85 per cent.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, PURC said the review was conducted in accordance with its quarterly tariff adjustment mechanism, which takes into account key economic and operational factors affecting utility service providers.
The Commission explained that the latest review considered changes in the Ghana cedi–US dollar exchange rate, inflation, electricity generation mix, and the cost of natural gas used for power generation.
According to PURC, the adjustments are necessary to preserve the real value of tariffs and ensure utility providers remain financially sustainable while delivering reliable services to consumers.
For the third quarter of 2026, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.2228 to one US dollar, representing a marginal depreciation of 0.2 per cent compared to the previous quarter. The Commission also used a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 per cent, down from 4.17 per cent recorded in the second quarter.
Additionally, the weighted average cost of natural gas declined by 1.58 per cent from USD8.0988 to USD7.9708 per MMBtu, while the hydro-thermal generation mix remained unchanged at 20.9 per cent hydro and 79.1 per cent thermal generation.
Based on 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 on the lifeline tariff, covering monthly consumption of up to 30 kilowatt-hours, the rate has increased from 86.9Gp per kilowatt-hour to 89.93Gp per kilowatt-hour.
Water tariffs have also been increased by 0.85 per cent across all customer groups, 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 has risen from 593.49Gp per cubic metre to 598.54Gp per cubic metre.
PURC reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring utility service providers to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and improved service delivery.
The Commission also thanked stakeholders for their continued support and indicated that the revised tariffs will be published in the Gazette and on its official website in due course.
