A major review of utility tariffs is set to take effect in January 2026 as part of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) being implemented by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). Sources familiar with the discussions confirm that this review is a crucial regulatory exercise aimed at aligning tariffs with the long-term needs of the sector.
The MYTO framework provides regulatory certainty for planning while allowing for periodic adjustments based on current economic conditions and performance indicators. This upcoming review will focus on the significant long-term investments made by utility companies and will explore measures to help recover the capital already invested.
To facilitate this process, the PURC has begun engaging with stakeholders across the country to ensure that any new agreements reached have the necessary industry approval. Earlier this month, the Commission held consultations on the Multi-Year Tariff Order for the period 2025–2030 during a stakeholder session in Accra. Electricity and water providers have been advocating for significant tariff increases to maintain their operations.
Quarterly Tariff Adjustments Still Pending
Meanwhile, sources caution that this development is separate from the Quarterly Utility Tariff Adjustment, which the PURC could also announce soon. It remains unclear whether, in light of the January review, the regulator will proceed with the next quarterly adjustment, scheduled for early next month.
The quarterly review is guided by inflation, cedi performance, and the cost of crude oil and finished petroleum products. While most of these variables have been declining, the cedi has come under pressure in the past two months, raising questions about how this trend might influence the upcoming adjustment.
Source: Joy Business