PURC Announces New Quarterly Tariffs
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an upward adjustment in utility tariffs, with electricity prices increasing by 3.49 percent and water tariffs rising by 0.85 percent, effective July 1, 2026.
The adjustment forms part of the Commission’s quarterly tariff review mechanism, which is designed to align utility charges with prevailing economic conditions affecting service providers, while ensuring sustainability in service delivery.
In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, PURC explained that the review takes into account key operational cost drivers, including the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, inflation trends, the national electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel particularly natural gas used in thermal power production.
According to the Commission, the objective of the quarterly review is to preserve the real value of tariffs, maintain the financial viability of utility providers, and support consistent and reliable service delivery, while balancing the impact on consumers.
For the third quarter of 2026, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.2228 to the US dollar. This represents a marginal depreciation of about 0.2 percent of the cedi compared to the previous quarter.
The Commission also factored in a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 percent, down from 4.17 percent recorded in the second quarter of the year. In addition, the weighted average cost of natural gas was pegged at US$7.9708 per MMBtu, reflecting a 1.58 percent decrease over the previous quarter.
Based on these indicators, PURC approved a 3.49 percent increase in electricity tariffs across all customer categories, covering residential, commercial, and industrial users. The Commission said the adjustment reflects the combined effect of exchange rate movements, inflation trends, and energy input costs on power generation and distribution.
Water tariffs have also been adjusted upward by 0.85 percent, with PURC attributing the marginal increase to similar macroeconomic factors influencing the cost of water production, treatment, and distribution.
The Commission noted that although the increases are relatively modest, they are necessary to ensure the continued efficiency and sustainability of utility service provision in the country.
PURC further expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their cooperation in the tariff-setting process and assured consumers that it will continue to monitor utility providers to ensure improved service quality, accountability, and value for money.
The latest adjustment comes at a time when households and businesses continue to navigate broader cost-of-living pressures, with energy costs remaining a key component of overall expenditure.
