PURC cuts electricity tariffs by 4.81%, water by 3.06% from April 1

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced a reduction in electricity and water tariffs effective from April 1, 2026, following its quarterly tariff review.

Under the new adjustments, electricity tariffs will decrease by an average of 4.81 per cent, while water tariffs will be reduced by 3.06 per cent.

In a statement issued on Friday, March 13, the Commission stated that the review was conducted in line with its mandate to adjust tariffs every quarter to reflect changes in key economic and operational factors affecting utility service providers.

“The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) wishes to inform consumers of electricity and water that the existing electricity and water tariffs have been reviewed downwards to take effect from April 01, 2026,” the statement said.

The PURC explained that the quarterly reviews track movements in indicators such as the Ghana Cedi–US dollar exchange rate, domestic inflation, electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel, particularly natural gas, used in thermal power generation.

The Commission noted that these adjustments are necessary to maintain the real value of tariffs so utility service providers can remain financially viable while continuing to deliver reliable services to consumers.

As part of the latest review, the PURC applied a projected weighted average exchange rate of GHS11.1931 to US$1 for the second quarter of 2026, based on the three-month interbank average between December 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. This represents a 6.78 per cent reduction from the previous quarter’s rate of GHS12.0067 to the dollar.

“The Commission applied a projected Weighted Average Ghana Cedi-US Dollar Exchange Rate of GHS11.1931/US$1.0000 for the second Quarter of 2026. This projected exchange rate is based on a 3- month Actual Inter-Bank Average Ghana Cedi-US Dollar Selling Exchange Rate for the period December 01, 2025, to February 28, 2026. This indicates a 6.78% reduction from the last Quarter rate of GHS12.0067/ US$1.0000,” the statement said.

The Commission also used a three-month average inflation rate of 4.17 per cent for the same period, reflecting a 47.87 per cent decline from the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACOG) was set at US$8.0988 per MMBtu, representing a 2.84 per cent increase from the previous rate of US$7.8749 per MMBtu.

The projected electricity generation mix for the quarter remains unchanged at 20.90 per cent from hydro generation and 79.10 percent from thermal sources, in line with the Multi-Year Tariff Order of 2025.

In addition, the Commission announced that it has, for the first time, introduced a commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) charging tariff to support the country’s transition to green energy.

The PURC expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued support as it implements quarterly tariff reviews under its rate-setting guidelines.

The Commission added that it will continue to monitor the operations of regulated utility providers and hold them accountable to ensure improved service delivery and value for money for consumers.