The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has approved a 3.49% increase in electricity tariffs and a 0.85% increase in water tariffs across all customer categories, effective July 1, 2026.
Speaking on the Gold Morning Show with Henry Agbai, PURC Acting Executive Director Dr. Shafic Suleman said the adjustments form part of the Commission’s quarterly tariff review mechanism.
“The tariffs are increased every quarter,” Dr. Suleman explained. He cited previous adjustments, noting that in the first quarter of 2023, electricity tariffs increased by 29% while water tariffs rose by 8.3%. In the second quarter of the same year, electricity tariffs were increased by 18%.
He said such sharp increases create uncertainty and make it difficult for businesses and consumers to plan effectively.
Dr. Suleman stressed that the PURC is now adopting a more measured approach to tariff reviews.
“We are mindful of the circumstances and are working to achieve an evenly stable adjustment scale,” he said, explaining that the objective is to prevent consumers from being caught off guard by steep increases.
He attributed the latest adjustment to rising costs within Ghana’s hydro and thermal power generation mix, particularly the significant expenditure on natural gas, crude oil, and heavy fuel oil required to sustain electricity production.
According to Dr. Suleman, the decision was also informed by research involving about 3,000 Ghanaians, which found that between 60% and 70% of respondents preferred stable electricity supply with moderate tariff adjustments over unstable power with no tariff increases.
The latest review comes at a time when utility costs remain a major concern for households and businesses. The PURC says it remains committed to balancing the financial sustainability of utility providers with the need to protect consumers from abrupt tariff shocks.
Story by: Ruth Quaye
