The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission announced on Monday that water tariffs will increase by 0.85% effective July 1, 2026, as part of its third quarter tariff review intended to reflect changes in key economic and operational indicators.
In its statement dated June 22, 2026, PURC said it had reviewed electricity and water tariffs upward, with electricity going up by 3.49% and water by 0.85%.
The commission explained that quarterly reviews are designed to track movements in variables that affect the cost of providing utility services, but remain outside the direct control of providers.
PURC said the adjustments help “maintain the real value of the existing tariffs,” enabling utility service providers to remain financially viable and continue delivering services, while taking account of consumer welfare.
Indicators used include exchange rate and inflation
PURC said it considered the exchange rate between the cedi and the US dollar, the domestic inflation rate, the electricity generation mix and the cost of fuel, mainly natural gas.
Although some of these indicators relate directly to electricity production, PURC’s framework treats them as key inputs in assessing utility cost pressures and overall operating conditions.
For the third quarter, the commission applied a weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.2228 to $1.00, based on interbank average selling rates from April 1 to June 19, 2026. It said this implied a 0.2% depreciation compared with the second quarter assumption.
It also applied a three month average inflation rate of 3.43% over the same period, noting that this was lower than the 4.17% rate used for the previous quarter.
On fuel, PURC said the weighted average cost of gas was set at $7.9708 per MMBtu, reflecting a 1.58% downward adjustment from the previous quarter.
Revised water rates take effect from July 1
PURC said water tariffs “have been adjusted marginally upwards by 0.85% for the third quarter of 2026,” with the updated rates applying across customer categories from July 1.
The commission said detailed results of the indicators and their impact on water tariffs are captured in the tables accompanying the decision, covering residential users, non residential customers and other classified users.
PURC thanked stakeholders for supporting its quarterly tariff reviews and said it will continue to monitor service providers and enforce regulatory benchmarks to improve service quality and ensure value for money.
The commission said the decision will be gazetted in due course and published on its website, adding that consumers can contact its Research and Corporate Affairs Directorate for clarification.
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