By: Belinda Nketia
From July 1 2025, electricity users in Ghana will pay slightly more for power following a 2.45% tariff increase approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). Water rates, however, will remain unchanged across all categories.
The adjustment was announced on Tuesday July 24 2025 and it forms part of PURC’s routine quarterly review. According to Executive Secretary Dr. Shafic Suleman, the decision reflects shifts in the economy particularly currency fluctuations, inflation, and fuel price trends.
What’s Driving the Change
Key indicators influenced the upward revision. The Ghana cedi saw a marked improvement against the US dollar, averaging GH₵10.3052 this quarter compared to GH₵15.6974 in May. Inflation was pegged at 20.67%, and the average cost of natural gas nudged up from $7.63 to $7.71 per MMBtu.
Ghana’s generation mix remains unchanged, with 71.2% from thermal sources and 28.8% from hydro. The new tariff also factors in GHS488 million in legacy debts and investments in reserve capacity to stabilize the national grid.
How Consumers Are Affected
Lifeline consumers using up to 30kWh monthly will now pay 79.5308 GHp per kWh, slightly up from 77.6274 GHp, while their fixed monthly charge remains GHS2.13.
Households using up to 300kWh will pay 180.1867 GHp per kWh (previously 175.8743 GHp), while usage above that threshold attracts 238.0873 GHp per kWh (up from 232.3892 GHp). The monthly service charge holds steady at GHS10.73.
Non-residential and industrial users will also see proportional increases based on consumption levels, while special load customers, including mining and heavy industry will now pay between 126.4423 GHp and 508.0854 GHp per kWh, depending on voltage category.
Water Rates Unchanged
Water tariffs remain unchanged, offering a reprieve to households and businesses. Residential users will continue to pay 528.1760 GHp per cubic meter for the first 5m³ and 934.4558 GHp thereafter. The monthly service charge is still GHS10.
Rates for commercial, industrial, and public institutions remain fixed, with sachet water producers continuing at 2,488.9541 GHp per cubic meter. Bulk suppliers will also maintain the current rate of 896.8042 GHp per cubic meter.
Balancing Costs and Services
Dr. Suleman highlighted the importance of maintaining utility sector stability without overburdening consumers. “These periodic reviews allow us to adjust gradually in response to economic realities while upholding service standards,” he said.
Dr. Suleman also highlighted that the full tariff schedule will be gazetted and uploaded to the PURC website (www.purc.com.gh). Consumers with questions may contact the Commission’s research and corporate affairs department at 0242264081.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) which was established in October 1997 under the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act, 1997(Act 538), maintains its mandate of conducting quarterly tariff reviews to align utility pricing with prevailing economic conditions.
This act, aims to ensure cost recovery for utility providers while minimizing abrupt changes for consumers.
