By Francis Ntow
Accra, June 24, GNA – The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has approved upward adjustments in electricity and water tariffs, effective July 1, 2026.
Electricity tariffs will rise by 3.49 per cent, while water tariffs increase by 0.85 per cent following the Commission’s quarterly review of key macroeconomic and operational indicators.
Dr Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of the Commission, said the decision incorporated movements in key operational factors beyond the control of utility service providers but essential to service delivery.
He said the review was driven by changes in the Cedi–Dollar exchange rate, domestic inflation, the electricity generation mix and the cost of natural gas for thermal power generation.
For the third quarter, the Commission applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to the US dollar, reflecting a 0.2 per cent depreciation of the cedi from the previous quarter’s rate of GHS11.1931.
It also applied a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 per cent, down from 4.17 per cent in the previous quarter, representing a 17.74 per cent decline.
The weighted average cost of gas was set at USD7.9708 per MMBtu, representing a 1.58 per cent decrease from the previous rate of USD8.0988 per MMBtu.
The hydro-thermal generation mix remained unchanged at 20.90 per cent hydro and 79.10 per cent thermal.
Under the new electricity structure, lifeline residential consumers using zero to 30 kilowatt hours will pay 89.9315 pesewas per kilowatt hour, up from 86.9000 pesewas, reflecting the uniform 3.49 per cent increase across all customer categories.
Residential consumers using zero to 300 kilowatt hours will pay 203.7509 pesewas per kilowatt hour, up from 196.8825 pesewas, while those above 300 kilowatt hours will pay 269.2235 pesewas, from 260.1481 pesewas.
Non-residential users within the zero to 300 kilowatt hours band will pay 183.9549 pesewas per kilowatt hour, up from 177.7539 pesewas, while those above 300 kilowatt hours will be charged 224.0395 pesewas, compared to 216.4873 pesewas previously.
Special load tariff customers on high voltage will pay 188.4762 pesewas per kilowatt hour, up from 182.1228 pesewas, while electric vehicle charging rates rise to 208.6329 pesewas from 201.6000 pesewas.
Water tariffs have been adjusted upward by 0.85 per cent across all consumer categories.
Residential lifeline consumers using zero to five cubic metres will pay 598.5381 pesewas per cubic metre, up from 593.49 pesewas.
Commercial consumers will pay 3,205.1425 pesewas per cubic metre, up from 3,178.11 pesewas, while sachet water producers will pay 2,820.5254 pesewas per cubic metre, from 2,796.74 pesewas.
The Commission said it would continue to monitor regulated service providers and ensure compliance with performance standards to promote efficiency, value for money and improved service delivery.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Francis Ntow