PURC announces 2.45 per cent increase in electricity tariffs, water rates unchanged
Consumers will see an adjustment in their electricity bills starting July 2025, while water tariffs remain unchanged, following the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission's (PURC) third quarter tariff review announced today.
The regulatory body has approved a 2.45 per cent across-the-board increase in electricity tariffs effective July 1, 2025, citing movements in key economic indicators including exchange rate fluctuations, inflationary pressures, and rising fuel costs.
Water service charges, however, will maintain their current rates for all consumer categories.
The Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr Shafic Suleman made this known in a statement released today.
Economic factors
The Commission's decision reflects careful analysis of several macroeconomic variables that directly impact utility operations.
The Cedi's exchange rate against the US Dollar, pegged at an average of GH₵10.3052 for the quarter, represents a significant improvement from the previous rate of GH₵15.6974 recorded in May.
Inflation projections also played a crucial role in the calculations, with the PURC using an average annual rate of 20.67 per cent for its computations.
The energy sector continues to grapple with rising fuel costs, as the weighted average price of natural gas increased marginally from $7.6289 to $7.7134 per MMBtu.
The country's energy generation mix remains unchanged, maintaining the 28.8 per cent hydro and 71.2 per cent thermal balance established in previous quarters.
Notably, the decision incorporates GHS488 million in outstanding sector debts carried over from earlier periods, along with necessary provisions for grid stability through reserve capacity investments.
Revised tariff structure
Under the new tariff regime, residential consumers will experience varied adjustments based on consumption levels.
Lifeline customers using 0-30kWh monthly will see their unit charge rise from 77.6274 GHp to 79.5308 GHp per kWh, while maintaining the existing monthly service charge of GHS2.13.
Standard residential consumers face differentiated rates: those using up to 300kWh will pay 180.1867 GHp per kWh (up from 175.8743 GHp), while higher consumption above 300kWh attracts a rate of 238.0873 GHp (previously 232.3892 GHp).
The residential service charge remains fixed at GHS10.73.
Meanwhile, commercial and industrial users will see proportional increases, with non-residential customers paying between 162.6801 GHp and 202.1723 GHp depending on consumption levels.
Special Load Tariff customers, including mines and heavy industries, face adjusted rates ranging from 126.4423 GHp to 508.0854 GHp per kWh across various voltage categories.
Water Tariffs
In a relief to households and businesses, the PURC maintained all existing water rates. Residential consumers continue to pay 528.1760 GHp per cubic meter for the first 5m³ and 934.4558 GHp for additional consumption. The monthly service charge stays at GHS10.
Commercial entities, industries, and public institutions will see no changes to their current rates, with sachet water producers maintaining their special rate of 2,488.9541 GHp per cubic meter. Bulk water supply rates remain pegged at 896.8042 GHp per cubic meter.
Dr Suleman, emphasised that the adjustments were necessary to maintain the financial viability of utility providers while balancing consumer interests.
"These quarterly reviews ensure we respond promptly to changing economic conditions while safeguarding service quality," he stated.
The Commission acknowledged stakeholder cooperation and pledged continued monitoring of service providers to ensure compliance with performance standards.
Dr Suleman said full tariff schedule will be gazetted and made available on the PURC website (www.purc.com.gh).
Consumers seeking clarification may contact the Commission's research and corporate affairs department at 0242264081.
This latest adjustment follows the PURC's established practice of quarterly tariff reviews, designed to provide predictable, incremental changes rather than large, disruptive hikes.
Economists suggest the modest increase reflects Ghana's improving macroeconomic stability, though they caution that further utility sector reforms remain essential for long-term sustainability.
