The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced significant increases in electricity and water tariffs, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, following a comprehensive multi-year review covering the 2026–2030 period.
Electricity tariffs will rise by 9.86 percent across all customer categories, while water tariffs are set to increase by 15.92 percent over the five-year control period.
PURC in a statement explained that the adjustments are aimed at meeting the investment requirements of utility providers, ensuring industry competitiveness, and safeguarding consumer interests.
The Commission also highlighted that the new rates will be subject to quarterly reviews to account for factors outside the control of service providers, such as fluctuations in the Ghana Cedi–US Dollar exchange rate, inflation, fuel costs, and changes in the generation mix.
PURC noted that the electricity generation mix has shifted, with thermal power now representing 78.79 percent of supply, while hydroelectric generation has decreased to 20.90 percent.
In a first-time policy move, the Commission included mini-grid tariffs to support electricity access in island communities. The costs associated with these mini-grids will be absorbed into the revenue requirements of the Volta River Authority, ensuring universal access to electricity.
The decision followed extensive stakeholder consultations, public hearings, and the evaluation of utility proposals. PURC stressed that it will continue monitoring service providers to ensure efficiency, value for money, and adherence to regulatory standards.
“These quarterly reviews will be undertaken to maintain the real value of the tariffs, keeping utility service providers financially viable to undertake their operations while protecting the interest of consumers,” PURC said in a statement.
The Commission emphasized that the new tariffs are part of a broader strategy under its Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) regime, which provides stability over a five-year period and ensures that utilities can meet both capital and operational requirements while supporting Ghana’s long-term infrastructure and service delivery goals.
The increases mark the first major tariff review since 2022 and are intended to support sustainable utility service provision while balancing the interests of consumers and service providers.
Below is a copy of the statement
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
