Electricity tariffs up by 3.49%, water by 0.85% – PURC announces new adjustments
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has announced new tariff adjustments, with electricity prices going up by 3.49% and water tariffs by 0.85% effective this billing cycle.
The Commission said the increases were necessary to maintain service quality and reflect changes in key economic indicators including inflation, exchange rate, and fuel costs.
‘Balancing cost and affordability’
In a statement released Tuesday, PURC explained that the marginal adjustment was the result of its quarterly tariff review mechanism.
“The Commission has considered the cost of service, financial sustainability of utilities, and the impact on consumers,” the statement read. “These modest adjustments will help ECG, NEDCo, and Ghana Water Company Ltd continue operations while protecting consumers from larger, sudden hikes later.”
The 3.49% electricity increase means a household that paid GHS 200 last month will now pay about GHS 207. For water, a GHS 100 bill rises to GHS 100.85.
Mixed reactions from consumers
The announcement has already sparked debate among consumers and business groups. Many Ghanaians on social media described the timing as difficult, citing rising costs of food, transport, and fuel. “Everything is going up except salaries,” one user posted on X.
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Industries said any increase in utility costs directly affects production costs for SMEs. “We understand the need for sustainability, but we urge government to cushion small businesses,” its president told Daily Guide.
Government says lifeline protected
PURC assured that the lifeline tariff for low-income consumers using 0-30kWh remains unchanged. That category covers most single-room households.
Water consumers in that band will also see minimal impact from the 0.85% adjustment, the Commission added.
Utility companies react
ECG and Ghana Water Company Ltd welcomed the decision, saying it would help reduce operational losses and improve service delivery. “This will support maintenance, system upgrades, and reduce outages,” an ECG source said. Ghana Water noted the adjustment would help with chemical purchases and network expansion.
This is the second tariff adjustment this year under PURC’s automatic adjustment formula.
Consumers can check their new rates on the PURC and ECG apps, or by dialing the utility short codes.
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