The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr Shaffic Suleman, has revealed that electricity consumption in Ghana h
The Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr Shaffic Suleman, has revealed that electricity consumption in Ghana has exceeded the Commission’s projections.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Dr Suleman explained that PURC had anticipated an 8% annual growth in power consumption. However, improved supply reliability and increased economic activity have driven demand far beyond this benchmark.
“We are now consuming more power beyond what has been projected,” Dr Suleman stated. “We are looking at an annual projection of 8% per annum, but I can assure you that we are moving far faster than that.”
While the surge in electricity use signals stronger economic activity, it comes amid growing public frustration over rising utility costs.
Electricity tariffs increased by 9.86% and water tariffs by 15.92% from January 1, 2026, prompting widespread complaints about the impact on household budgets.
Adding to consumer concerns, a recent report by the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy (CEMSE) suggested that Ghanaians may have overpaid an estimated GH¢1.5 billion in the last quarter of 2025 due to inflated assumptions in tariff calculations. The report recommended an 11% reduction in electricity tariffs to address what it described as a “significant over-recovery” from consumers.
The development underscores the challenge of balancing growing electricity demand with affordability and public confidence in the regulatory framework.
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