The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has declared an increase in the costs of electricity and water services.
Electricity rates are set to rise by 3.49 percent, while water service charges will go up by 0.85 percent, starting on July 1, 2026.
In a release dated June 22, 2026, the Commission explained that these alterations are part of its routine tariff assessment process, which is designed to reflect shifts in crucial operational elements that influence utility providers.
These elements encompass the exchange rate between the Ghana cedi and the US dollar, the rate of inflation, the mix of electricity generation sources, and the cost of fuel, particularly natural gas utilized in thermal electricity generation.
PURC stated that this review aims to preserve the actual value of tariffs, guarantee the financial health of utility firms, and foster reliable service delivery while considering the effects on consumers.
The Commission noted it used a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.2228 for one US dollar for the third quarter of 2026, indicating a 0.2 percent decline in the cedi compared to the prior quarter.
It also factored in a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 percent, a decrease from 4.17 percent in the second quarter, along with a weighted average natural gas price of US$7.9708 per MMBtu, reflecting a 1.58 percent drop from the last quarter.
After evaluating these metrics, PURC sanctioned a 3.49 percent rise in electricity rates for all customer segments for the third quarter of 2026.
Additionally, the Commission approved a slight increase of 0.85 percent in water service costs, noting the influence of the same economic factors on the expenses associated with water production and distribution.
PURC acknowledged the support of its partners in executing the quarterly tariff review process and assured consumers that it will persist in monitoring the operations of utility service providers to guarantee enhanced service quality and value for customers.
