Electricity bills to jump 3.49% from July as PURC approves tariff hikes

New utility charges take effect next month

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced upward adjustments to electricity and water tariffs starting July 1, 2026. Electricity prices will increase by 3.49 percent whilst water tariffs rise by just 0.85 percent, the regulator confirmed on June 22.

PURC justified the increases as part of its quarterly review mechanism, which adjusts tariffs based on key operational factors affecting utility service providers. These include exchange rate movements between the Ghana cedi and US dollar, inflation rates, the electricity generation mix, and fuel costs—particularly natural gas used in thermal power generation.

For this quarter's review, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.2228 to one US dollar, reflecting a 0.2 percent depreciation of the cedi. The regulator also factored in a three-month average inflation rate of 3.43 percent (down from 4.17 percent previously) and a weighted average natural gas cost of US$7.9708 per MMBtu, representing a 1.58 percent decrease from the previous quarter.

The Commission stressed that the adjustments aim to maintain the real value of tariffs, ensure utility companies remain financially viable, and support reliable service delivery whilst considering consumer impact. PURC said it will continue monitoring utility providers' performance to guarantee improved service standards and value for money.