The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an upward adjustment in electricity and water tariffs, with electricity prices set to increase by 3.49 per cent and water tariffs rising by 0.85 per cent from July 1, 2026.
In a statement issued on June 22, the Commission said the adjustments were made under its quarterly tariff review mechanism, which is designed to account for changes in key economic and operational variables affecting utility service providers.
According to PURC, the review considers factors such as the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, inflation levels, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel, particularly natural gas used in thermal power generation.
The Commission explained that the quarterly review process is intended to preserve the real value of utility tariffs, ensure the financial sustainability of service providers and support the continuous delivery of reliable electricity and water services while balancing the interests of consumers.
As part of the review, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.2228 to one US dollar for the third quarter of 2026. This reflects a 0.2 per cent depreciation of the cedi compared with the previous quarter.
The Commission also utilised a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 per cent, lower than the 4.17 per cent recorded during the second quarter of the year.
Additionally, PURC factored in a weighted average natural gas cost of US$7.9708 per MMBtu, representing a 1.58 per cent reduction from the previous quarter.
Following its assessment of these economic indicators, the Commission approved a 3.49 per cent increase in electricity tariffs across all customer categories for the third quarter of 2026.
Water tariffs will also increase by 0.85 per cent, with PURC citing the impact of the same economic and operational factors on the cost of water production, treatment and distribution.
The Commission expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued cooperation in implementing the quarterly tariff review framework and reiterated its commitment to ensuring efficiency and accountability within the utilities sector.
PURC further assured consumers that it would continue to monitor the performance of utility service providers to promote improved service delivery, operational efficiency and value for money.
The new tariff adjustments are expected to take effect nationwide from July 1, 2026.
