The decision means consumers will see no increase or reduction in utility tariffs
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has maintained electricity and water tariffs at their existing third-quarter levels for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The decision means consumers will see no increase or reduction in utility tariffs from October 1 to December 31, 2026, despite changes in some of the key economic and operational factors used to determine the rates.
Dr Zanetor calls for strategy to tackle e-waste from electric vehicles, solar panels
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, 2026, the PURC said its quarterly review resulted in a 0% adjustment for both electricity and water tariffs.
“The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission wishes to inform consumers of electricity and water that the existing electricity and water tariffs of the third quarter have not changed (0%) but remain the same in the fourth quarter,” the PURC said.
The Commission said the review considered developments in the Ghana cedi-US dollar exchange rate, domestic inflation, the electricity generation mix and the cost of natural gas used to power thermal plants.
For the fourth quarter, PURC applied a weighted average exchange rate of GH¢11.5646 to US$1, representing a 3.04% depreciation of the cedi from the third-quarter rate of GH¢11.2228 to US$1.
Domestic inflation also increased to an average of 4.97%, up from 3.43% in the previous quarter, representing a 44.89% upward movement in the factor used in the tariff review.
However, the weighted average cost of natural gas fell by 1.67%, from US$7.9708 per MMBtu to US$7.8379 per MMBtu.
The electricity generation outlook also provided some relief, with hydropower expected to account for a larger share of generation in the fourth quarter.
Hydro generation is projected to rise from 20.90% in the third quarter to 24.25%, while thermal generation is expected to fall from 79.10% to 75.75%.
According to PURC, the combined effect of these changes informed its decision to maintain electricity tariffs at their existing levels.
The Commission said the quarterly tariff review is aimed at preserving the real value of tariffs, supporting the financial viability of utility providers and ensuring they can continue delivering services to consumers.
PURC also said it remains conscious of concerns over the quality of utility services and will continue monitoring regulated service providers to ensure compliance with its regulatory standards and benchmarks.
“The Commission noted it is equally mindful of consumers’ concerns on quality of service and will continue to monitor operations of the regulated service providers, to hold them accountable to the Commission’s regulatory standards and benchmarks to ensure value for money and improved quality of service delivery.”
The unchanged tariffs will remain in force from October 1 through December 31, 2026, before the Commission conducts its next quarterly review.
ANAS/MA
Foundries, Machines and Jet Engines: Ghana’s untapped engineering potential
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
