Consumers to pay slightly more for power but no increase in water bills – PURC

From October 1, 2025, electricity consumers across Ghana will pay 1.14% more on their tariffs, following a review by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

Water tariffs, however, remain unchanged for the last quarter of the year.

The Commission noted that the depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar and inflationary pressures primarily influenced the upward adjustment.

The exchange rate was projected at GHS12.37 per dollar, up from the third quarter’s average of GHS10.70, while the projected annual inflation rate stood at 12.43%.

The country’s reliance on thermal generation, which accounts for over 71% of the energy mix compared to hydro’s 28.8%, also played a role in the tariff adjustments.

For residential consumers, lifeline users consuming less than 30 kWh will see a small rise from 79.53 pesewas per kWh to 80.44 pesewas per kWh.

Households using more than 300 kWh will pay 240.81 pesewas per kWh, up from 238.09 pesewas. Non-residential users and industries under special load tariff categories will also experience similar percentage increases.

Despite the hike in electricity tariffs, PURC confirmed that water tariffs remain unchanged, with domestic users, sachet water producers, and industries paying the same rates as before.

“The Commission remains committed to ensuring that consumers get value for money while also safeguarding the sustainability of service providers,” the statement added.

The decision comes at a time when households are grappling with rising costs of goods and services, despite a declining inflation rate.

However, PURC maintains that the quarterly reviews are necessary to cushion the utilities against macroeconomic shocks and to avoid sudden steep hikes in tariffs.