The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has officially announced that the newly approved tariff adjustments for electricity and water services will be implemented nationwide starting tomorrow, Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The announcement, which follows the Commission’s statutory mandate to review and set utility rates, signals a transition into a new pricing regime aimed at balancing the operational sustainability of utility providers with the economic interests of the Ghanaian public.
The Commission has clarified that the mode of implementation will differ slightly depending on the consumer’s metering system.
Prepaid Meter Users: For consumers utilizing the prepaid system, the revised tariffs will be applied forthwith. This means that the very first purchase of electricity or water credit made from January 1, 2026, will reflect the adjusted rates.
Postpaid Meter Users: For consumers on the credit-based (postpaid) system, the impact of the new tariffs will be observed in their February 2026 billing cycle, which covers the consumption period for the month of January.
The PURC has advised consumers to be mindful of their consumption patterns during this transition period to better manage their utility expenditures under the new rate structure.
In a move to ensure transparency and prevent overcharging, the Ashanti Regional Office of the PURC has been mandated to lead an intensive field monitoring exercise. The exercise is designed to ensure that all utility distribution companies—specifically the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL)—fully comply with the Commission’s directive.
The monitoring teams will be deployed across the region to:
Verify that billing systems have been accurately updated.
Ensure that vending points for prepaid consumers are operating with the correct tariff parameters.
Address any immediate consumer grievances arising from the implementation of the new rates.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring that no consumer is unfairly treated during this adjustment phase. Our regional offices, particularly in the Ashanti Region, are on high alert to monitor compliance and provide the necessary regulatory oversight,” the statement indicated.
The PURC emphasized that while tariff adjustments are necessary for the financial viability of the utility sector, they must be matched by a corresponding improvement in service delivery. The Commission continues to urge utility providers to minimize technical losses and enhance the quality of supply to justify the revenue adjustments.
As the new year begins, the PURC encourages the general public to reach out to their various regional offices or use the official complaint channels should they encounter any discrepancies in their billing or challenges with utility service providers.
