The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an increase in electricity and water tariffs, effective from July 1 to September 30, 2024.

In a statement released on Friday, 31 May 2024, and signed by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Ishmael Ackah, the PURC detailed the upcoming changes. 

Lifeline electricity consumers, those using 0-30 kWh, will see a 3.45% increase in their tariffs. 

Other residential consumers, using 31 kWh and above, along with non-residential users, will experience a 5.84% hike. 

Industrial consumers will face a 4.92% rise in their electricity tariffs.

Water tariffs will also go up by 5.16% for all customer categories during this period.

The PURC explained that the adjustments are necessary due to several economic factors, including the cedi's value, inflation, fuel costs, and the electricity generation mix.

“These reviews are part of our Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism,” the Commission stated. 

“This mechanism tracks and incorporates changes in key factors beyond our control, such as the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Ghana cedi, domestic inflation, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel, primarily natural gas. These adjustments help maintain the real value of tariffs, ensuring utility providers remain financially viable and can continue delivering services to consumers,” the Commission explained.

Acknowledging the impact on the public, the PURC noted, “We considered the competitiveness of industries and the overall living conditions of Ghanaians in this review.”