PURC announces 5.84% increase in residential electricity tariffs

In its second quarterly review for 2024, the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced significant adjustments to utility tariffs, impacting electricity and water consumers across Ghana.

According to the commission, residential electricity consumers will face a 5.84% increase in rates.

A statement issued on May 31 detailed that tariffs for lifeline electricity consumers, those using between 0-30 kWh, will see a 3.45% hike.

“There will be a 3.45% increase in electricity tariffs for lifeline consumers (0-30kWh); 5.84% increase for all other residential consumers who are not part of the lifeline category bracket (31 kWh and above) as well as the non-residential category,” the PURC stated.

Industrial electricity users are set to experience a 4.92% increase in tariffs. Additionally, water tariffs will rise by 5.16% for all customer classes for the review period from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.

The review was undertaken in accordance with the Commission’s Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism, which takes into account key uncontrollable factors such as the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Ghana cedi, domestic inflation rates, the electricity generation mix, and the cost of fuel, primarily natural gas.

In a statement signed by PURC’s Executive Secretary, Ishmael Ackah, the commission emphasized that it also considered the competitiveness of industries and the general living conditions of Ghanaians in determining these adjustments.