PURC Announces Reduction in Electricity and Water Tariffs Effective April 1

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a reduction in electricity and water tariffs, with the new rates set to take effect from April 1, 2026.

According to the Commission, electricity tariffs will decrease by an average of 4.81 percent, while water tariffs will fall by 3.06 percent following the latest quarterly tariff review.

In a statement issued on Friday, March 13, the regulator explained that the adjustment forms part of its mandate to review tariffs every quarter to reflect changes in key economic and operational indicators affecting utility service providers.

“The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission wishes to inform consumers of electricity and water that the existing tariffs have been reviewed downwards to take effect from April 01, 2026,” the statement said.

The Commission indicated that the quarterly review tracks movements in critical variables such as the Ghana cedi–US dollar exchange rate, domestic inflation, electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel—particularly natural gas—used in thermal power production.

According to PURC, these adjustments are necessary to maintain the real value of tariffs, ensure the financial sustainability of utility providers and support continuous delivery of reliable services to consumers.

As part of the review, the Commission applied a projected weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.1931 to US$1 for the second quarter of 2026. This was based on the three-month interbank average recorded between December 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026.

The new rate represents a 6.78 percent decrease from the previous quarter’s exchange rate of GHS12.0067 to US$1.

PURC also used a three-month average inflation rate of 4.17 percent for the same period, representing a 47.87 percent decline compared to the previous quarter.

However, the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) increased slightly to US$8.0988 per MMBtu, marking a 2.84 percent rise from the earlier cost of US$7.8749 per MMBtu.

The Commission further noted that the projected electricity generation mix for the quarter remains unchanged, with 20.90 percent from hydro sources and 79.10 percent from thermal generation, in line with the 2025 Multi-Year Tariff Order.

In a new policy development, PURC also announced the introduction of a commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) charging tariff, aimed at supporting the country’s transition to cleaner and greener energy.

The Commission expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued support in implementing its quarterly tariff review framework and assured the public that it will continue to monitor regulated utility providers to ensure improved service delivery and value for money.