The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission has announced that electricity tariffs will rise by 3.49% from July 1, 2026, , in a quarterly review aimed at tracking key cost drivers in the power sector and keeping utility providers financially viable.
In its Third Quarter Tariff Review Decision for 2026 issued on June 22, the commission said the adjustments reflect “developments within the quarter” and are consistent with its mandate to revise tariffs quarterly.
PURC explained that the review framework incorporates movements in operational factors beyond the control of utility service providers, but critical to service delivery.
Those factors include the exchange rate, domestic inflation, the electricity generation mix and fuel costs, particularly natural gas used by thermal plants.
PURC said the aim is “to maintain the real value of the existing tariffs,” while also considering the impact on consumers’ wellbeing.
Exchange rate, inflation and gas price shaped the review
PURC said it applied a weighted average Ghana cedi to US dollar exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to $1.00 for the third quarter of 2026, based on the actual interbank average selling rate between April 1 and June 19, 2026.
The commission noted this represents a 0.2% depreciation from the second quarter rate of GHS11.1931 to $1.00.
On inflation, PURC said it used a three month average inflation rate of 3.43% for the period April 1 to June 19, 2026, describing it as a “downward review” from the previous quarter’s 4.17%.
Fuel costs also eased. The commission applied a weighted average cost of gas of $7.9708 per MMBtu, a 1.58% drop from $8.0988 per MMBtu in the previous quarter.
Generation mix unchanged, tariffs adjusted across board
PURC said the projected hydro thermal generation mix remained unchanged at 20.90% hydro and 79.10% thermal, the same composition applied in the second quarter.
Against the combined impact of the generation mix, exchange rate, inflation and gas price, the commission said it “has taken the decision to adjust Electricity Tariffs by 3.49% across board for the third quarter of 2026.”
PURC said it would publish the decision in the Gazette “in due course” and make it available on its website.
It also said it will continue monitoring regulated providers and “hold them accountable to its regulatory standards and benchmarks to ensure value for money and improved quality of service delivery.”
The commission urged consumers seeking clarification to contact its Research and Corporate Affairs Directorate.
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