More Hardships For Ghanaians As PURC Increases Water & Electricity Tariffs Effective February 1

In the midst of the current economic difficulties in the country, the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC) has increased electricity and water tariffs by 29.96% and 8.3% respectively.

According to the PURC, this new tariffs is a conclusion of its regulatory process for the quarterly adjustment of utility tariffs covering the first quarter of 2023.

In a press statement released on Monday, January 16, 2023, PURC indicated that the commission is in conformity with the Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism and Guidelines as communicated in the Commission’s August, 2022 major tariff review decision.

The new increment, according to the PURC takes effect from February 1, 2023.

Explaining the considerations in arriving at this decision, the Executive Secretary of PURC, Dr. Ishmael Ackah said the commission was cognizant of the current economic challenges in the country.

“The Commission therefore decided to increase the average end-user tariff for electricity by 29.96% across the board for all consumer groups. The average end-user tarrif for water has also been increased by 8.3%. The Commission however approved varying rates of adjustments including some reductions for selected industrial and commercial consumers as part of the ongoing restructuring of the existing water rate structure,” parts of the statement read.

The PURC further stated that, “The Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism seeks to track and incorporate changes in key factors used in determining natural gas, electricity, and water tariffs. The objective is to maintain the real value of cost of supply of these utility services and ensure that utility companies do not under- or over-recover.