PURC Approves Electricity and Water Tariff Increases Starting January 1, 2026

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced new electricity and water tariffs, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, following the completion of its 2026–2030 Multi-Year Tariff Review (MYTO).

In a statement, the Commission explained that the review process involved extensive investment hearings, stakeholder consultations, and regional public forums held across the country.

As part of the adjustments, electricity tariffs will increase by 9.86% across all customer categories. The Commission noted that the hike is necessary to address the investment needs of power utilities and reflect key macroeconomic factors, including inflation, the cedi–dollar exchange rate, and the cost of natural gas. The review also took into account operational expenses and the regulated asset base of utilities for the next five years. Additionally, quarterly reviews will continue to account for fluctuations in external factors such as fuel costs and generation mix.

Water tariffs will also rise by 15.92% for the 2026–2030 period. The increase is based on projected production and sales volumes, the capital investment needs of the water sector, non-revenue water levels, and broader economic conditions.

Both residential, non-residential, commercial, and industrial consumers will face higher charges, though service fees will remain unchanged. Notably, for the first time, the MYTO includes tariffs for mini-grids that serve island and remote communities. The cost of supplying these areas at national uniform rates has been incorporated into the revenue requirements of the Volta River Authority (VRA).

Source: MyNewsGh.com