The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced that electricity and water tariffs in Ghana will remain unchanged during the fourth quarter of 2026.
According to PURC, the existing electricity and water tariff rates applicable in the third quarter will be maintained for the fourth quarter, resulting in a 0% tariff adjustment.
The unchanged rates will take effect from October 1, 2026, and remain in place throughout the fourth quarter.
PURC Explains Decision on Electricity and Water Tariffs
The Commission said the decision follows its regular quarterly utility tariff review, which assesses prevailing economic and operational conditions affecting utility providers and consumers.
PURC explained that the review process is designed to preserve the real value of existing tariffs while ensuring that utility companies have the financial capacity to continue providing reliable electricity and water services.
The Commission also considers the potential effect of changes in utility bills and electricity prices on consumers when determining tariff adjustments.
Factors Considered in PURC Tariff Review
Several economic and operational indicators were considered in determining the fourth-quarter electricity and water tariffs, including the Ghana cedi-US dollar exchange rate, domestic inflation, electricity generation mix and fuel costs.
The cost of natural gas used to power thermal electricity generation plants was also considered as part of the tariff review.
Ghana Cedi Exchange Rate Used by PURC
For the fourth quarter of 2026, PURC applied a weighted average Ghana cedi-US dollar exchange rate of GH¢11.5646 to US$1.
The exchange rate represents a 3.04% depreciation of the Ghana cedi compared with the third-quarter rate of GH¢11.2228 to US$1.
Exchange rate movements are an important component of Ghana’s utility tariff calculations, particularly because some costs associated with electricity generation and other utility operations are influenced by foreign currency movements.
Inflation Rate Also Factored Into Tariff Decision
PURC also applied an average annual inflation rate of 4.97% for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The figure represents an increase of 44.89% compared with the previous quarter’s average annual inflation rate of 3.43%.
Despite changes in the underlying economic indicators, PURC decided to maintain existing electricity and water tariffs at 0% adjustment for the fourth quarter.
The decision means consumers will continue paying the existing approved rates for electricity and water services from October through December 2026, subject to their actual consumption and applicable billing arrangements.
Source: newsthemegh.com