The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has maintained electricity and water tariffs at their existing levels for the fourth quarter of 2026, sparing consumers any increase in utility charges from October.
The Commission said its latest quarterly tariff review resulted in a zero per cent adjustment, meaning the rates applicable in the third quarter will remain in force throughout the final quarter of the year.
The unchanged tariffs will take effect from October 1, 2026.
PURC said the decision followed an assessment of key economic and operational variables that influence the cost of providing electricity and water services.
Among the factors considered were the Ghana cedi-US dollar exchange rate, domestic inflation, the electricity generation mix and fuel costs, particularly the cost of natural gas used by thermal power plants.
Despite changes in some of these indicators, the Commission said the existing tariff levels would be maintained to balance the financial sustainability of utility providers with the welfare of consumers.
For the fourth quarter, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.5646 to US$1, compared with GH¢11.2228 to US$1 used in the third quarter.
The latest figure represents a 3.04 per cent depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar over the applicable period.
PURC also adopted an average annual inflation rate of 4.97 per cent for the quarter, up from the previous quarter’s 3.43 per cent.
This represents a 44.89 per cent increase in the inflation figure used in the tariff review.
The Commission explained that its quarterly reviews are designed to ensure that utility tariffs continue to reflect prevailing economic and operational conditions while preserving the real value of tariffs and supporting the ability of utility companies to provide reliable services.
PURC said the reviews also consider the broader impact of tariff decisions on consumers and their general wellbeing.
The Commission’s latest decision therefore means households and businesses will continue paying the existing electricity and water rates for the three months ending December 2026, subject to the applicable tariff categories and consumption levels.
