‎PURC maintains electricity and water tariffs for fourth quarter of 2026

By: Godbless Asaana‎
‎The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced that electricity and water tariffs will remain unchanged for the fourth quarter of 2026.
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‎In a letter dated September 24, 2026, and signed by Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of the PURC, the Commission said the existing electricity and water tariffs for the third quarter would remain unchanged, with the rates taking effect from October 1, 2026.
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‎According to the PURC, its decision followed a review of key operational and economic factors, including the Ghana cedi-US dollar exchange rate, inflation, the electricity generation mix and the cost of natural gas.
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‎The Commission applied a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.5646 to US$1 for the fourth quarter, representing a 3.04% depreciation of the cedi from the third-quarter rate of GH¢11.2228 to US$1.
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‎It also applied an average annual inflation rate of 4.97%, compared with 3.43% in the previous quarter, while the weighted average cost of natural gas was reduced from US$7.9708/MMBtu to US$7.8379/MMBtu.
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‎The electricity generation mix also changed, with projected hydro generation increasing from 20.90% in the third quarter to 24.25% in the fourth quarter, while thermal generation declined from 79.10% to 75.75%.
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‎After considering these factors, the PURC said the overall impact did not warrant an adjustment in electricity tariffs.
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‎“The overall impact of the above factors of Hydro-Thermal Generation Mix, Ghana Cedi-US Dollar Exchange Rate, Inflation Rate, and Natural Gas Price, on electricity tariff determination led the Commission to arrive at a decision not to adjust Electricity Tariffs for the Fourth Quarter of 2026.”
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‎The approved electricity rates for residential, non-residential and special load tariff customers will therefore remain at their existing levels, with the tariff percentage change recorded as 0.00% across the listed categories.
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‎The Commission also maintained water tariffs for the fourth quarter, saying they would remain the same as those applicable in the third quarter.
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‎“The Water Tariffs have equally not been adjusted for the fourth quarter of 2026, but remain same as in the third quarter of 2026.”
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‎The PURC said it would continue monitoring the operations of regulated service providers and hold them accountable to its regulatory standards and benchmarks to ensure value for money and improved quality of service.