The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced upward adjustments to electricity and water tariffs following the completion of its 2026–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Review (MYTO).

The new rates take effect from January 1, 2026.

According to the PURC in a statement, the tariff decision follows months of investment hearings, stakeholder consultations, and regional public forums held across the country as part of the regulatory process.

Electricity tariffs to increase by 9.86%

According to the PURC, electricity tariffs for all customer categories will rise by 9.86%.

The Commission says the adjustment reflects the investment needs of power utilities, expected generation inputs, and macroeconomic indicators such as inflation, the cedi–US dollar exchange rate, and the cost of natural gas.

The review also covered operational expenses and the regulated asset base of utilities for the next five years.

Quarterly tariff reviews will continue, adjusting for variables beyond the control of utility companies, including fuel costs and generation mix.

Water tariffs up by 15.92%

Water tariffs will increase by 15.92% over the 2026–2030 period.

The adjustment, according to the PURC, is based on projected production and sales volumes, non-revenue water levels, expected capital investment requirements, and prevailing macroeconomic conditions.

Under the new tariff structure:

• Residential consumers’ charges will rise across consumption bands.
• Non-residential, commercial, industrial and public institutions will also see higher rates.
• Service charges generally remain unchanged.

For the first time, the MYTO incorporates tariffs for mini-grids serving island and remote communities.

The cost of supplying such communities at uniform national rates has been included in the revenue requirement of the Volta River Authority (VRA), enabling streamlined implementation.

Key variables driving tariff adjustments

The PURC said several factors influenced the new tariffs, including:

• Projected electricity generation mix: Thermal at 78.79%, hydro at 20.90%, and renewables at 0.31%.
• Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACoG) increasing to US$7.8749/MMBtu.
• Improved targets for transmission and distribution system losses.
• Inflation rate assumption of 8% and an exchange rate projection of GHS 12.01 to US$1.

For the water sector, the Commission considered non-revenue water levels, projected to decline to 43%, and updated production and sales expectations for the coming years.