Major Utility Tariff Hikes Loom from January 2026 Under PURC’s Multi-Year Review
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is set to implement significant utility tariff adjustments starting January 2026 as part of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) for 2025–2030, a key regulatory exercise to align rates with long-term sector investments and economic realities.
Sources close to Joy Business indicate the review will address capital recovery for utilities, amid proposals from providers like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) for hikes averaging up to 690% to sustain operations and infrastructure.
PURC has launched nationwide stakeholder consultations, including a session in Accra earlier this month, to ensure transparency and incorporate public input.
The MYTO framework offers predictability for planning while allowing adjustments based on inflation, cedi performance, and operational costs.
Key demands include ECG’s proposed 225–239% rise in distribution charges (from 19.08Gp/kWh to 61.80Gp/kWh in 2025) and GWCL’s 280% water tariff increase, driven by galamsey-related pollution hiking treatment costs.
Other players like GRIDCo seek 130% hikes for transmission tariffs.
This separate from the pending Quarterly Tariff Adjustment, due early October and influenced by declining inflation and oil prices but recent cedi pressures—uncertainty lingers on whether it will proceed.
PURC Executive Secretary Shafic Suleman described the MYTO as a “Citizens’ MYTO,” balancing viability and protection.
Public hearings continue regionally, with final decisions expected to impact households and industries amid economic recovery efforts.
