By Edward Acquah
Accra, Jan. 13, GNA – Households and businesses are adjusting to higher utility bills in 2026 following tariff increases announced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).
The PURC has raised electricity tariffs by 9.86 per cent and water tariffs by 15.92 per cent, effective January 1, 2026, renewing public concern about the rising cost of living.
Energy analysts say the adjustment has drawn fresh attention to efficient electricity use in homes, offices and commercial spaces.
Studies by global energy and development institutions show that reducing energy consumption lowers monthly bills and supports national climate goals.
Energy Use and Ghana’s Climate Commitments
According to Ghana’s Fourth Biennial Update Report submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the energy sector accounts for more than half of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
The report attributes these emissions mainly to electricity generation, fuel use in households and offices, and transport-related energy consumption.
The UNFCCC identifies demand-side energy efficiency as a critical pathway for countries to manage emissions while maintaining economic activity.
Dr Philip Kofi Adom, an Energy Economist, told the Ghana News Agency that individual actions play a critical role in addressing both cost and climate challenges.
“People need to be properly educated on the benefits of energy efficiency and be able to associate those practices with the savings they derive.
“Once that awareness is created, households themselves begin to see the need to consciously conserve energy,” he said.
The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its Energy Efficiency 2023 report, describes energy efficiency as “the world’s first fuel” and identifies it as one of the most cost-effective ways to support economic growth while addressing emissions.
Appliance Choice and Maintenance
The IEA notes that efficient refrigerators, air conditioners and lighting systems can consume between 20 and 50 per cent less electricity compared to inefficient models.
Dr Adom acknowledged that the higher upfront cost of efficient appliances remains a challenge for many households.
“Upgrading to efficient appliances may not come easy for everyone, and some households are trapped using low-efficiency equipment because they cannot afford replacements,” he said.
He called for a national discussion on financing mechanisms to support appliance upgrades.
Beyond appliance selection, regular maintenance remains essential.
The International Energy Agency and the United States Department of Energy state that poorly maintained appliances use more electricity to achieve the same output.
“Households should regularly examine their appliances for possible leakages or faults because these alone can create significant losses within the system,” Dr Adom said.
Behavioural Changes that Cost Nothing
Energy efficiency also depends on behaviour. The IEA estimates that standby power accounts for between five and ten per cent of household electricity use globally.
Dr Adom said this practice is common in Ghanaian homes.
“Many people switch off appliances using only the remote control, thinking they are off,” he said. “But when an appliance is on standby mode, it is still consuming a significant amount of energy.”
He explained that fully switching off appliances at the socket is a simple habit that delivers savings without cost.
Other low-cost behavioural changes include reducing the frequency of energy-intensive activities.
“It makes sense to schedule activities like ironing and cooking,” Dr Adom said.
“These small changes do not require extra spending; they are simply about adjusting behaviour to minimise consumption,” he added.
The IEA explains that shifting household activities such as ironing, cooking and laundry to off-peak periods improves system efficiency and reduces the need for costly peak power generation.
Natural Light, Ventilation and Workplace Efficiency
Research by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the IEA highlights the role of natural lighting and ventilation in reducing electricity use.
Daylighting reduces dependence on artificial lighting, while natural airflow lowers the need for air conditioning.
In offices and commercial buildings, the IEA reports that measures such as switching off equipment after work hours and using timers or motion sensors can cut electricity consumption by up to 30 per cent.
Financial and Development Benefits
Lower electricity use translates directly into reduced monthly bills, an important consideration amid rising tariffs.
The PURC has consistently encouraged consumers to adopt efficiency measures as a practical way to manage utility costs.
International institutions, including the IEA and the World Bank, emphasise that demand-side efficiency remains one of the most accessible tools available to households and businesses, requiring minimal investment while delivering lasting benefits.
As 2026 begins, reducing energy consumption has become a key priority.
By combining informed appliance choices, regular maintenance and behavioural adjustments, households and institutions can manage energy use, safeguard finances and ensure sustainability.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey