Introduction: The Simple Question with a Complex Answer
How many units do I get for one cedi? It seems like a simple question. But if you ask ten people, you might get ten different answers. Some will say “about 5 units.” Others will insist it’s “around 10 units.” A few will shrug and admit they have no idea.
The confusion is understandable. ECG tariffs are not flat—they vary by customer category, consumption band, and even by the voltage of your supply. A lifeline customer paying the subsidized rate gets far more units per cedi than a non-residential customer consuming over 300 kWh per month.
This Accra Street Journal guide provides a clear, accurate answer to the question: how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity do you get for one Ghana cedi under the current ECG tariff?
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The Short Answer
Under the current ECG tariff (effective April 1, 2026):
| Customer Category | Units per GH¢1 (kWh) |
|---|---|
| Lifeline (0–30 kWh) | 1.15 kWh per cedi |
| Residential (0–300 kWh) | 0.51 kWh per cedi |
| Non-Residential (0–300 kWh) | 0.56 kWh per cedi |
| Non-Residential (301+ kWh) | 0.46 kWh per cedi |
Source: Calculations based on PURC tariff rates
These figures mean that for GH¢1, a lifeline customer gets approximately 1.15 kilowatt-hours of electricity, while a standard residential customer gets about half a unit.
But these numbers only tell part of the story. Let’s break down exactly how these calculations work and what they mean for different consumers.
How to Calculate Units Per Cedi
The calculation is simple: Units per Cedi = 1 ÷ Tariff Rate (in GH¢ per kWh)
For example, if your tariff rate is GH¢0.8690 per kWh (the lifeline rate), then:
-
1 ÷ 0.8690 = 1.15 kWh per cedi
If your tariff rate is GH¢1.9688 per kWh (the residential 0–300 kWh rate), then:
-
1 ÷ 1.9688 = 0.51 kWh per cedi
The higher the tariff rate, the fewer units you get per cedi. This is why understanding your tariff category is essential.
Current ECG Tariff Rates (Effective April 1, 2026)
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) reduced electricity tariffs by an average of 4.81% for the second quarter of 2026, effective April 1 . These reductions were driven by the appreciation of the Ghana cedi and lower inflation .
Here are the current rates for each customer category:
Residential (Home Consumers)
| Consumption Band | Rate (GH¢ per kWh) | Units per GH¢1 |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeline (0–30 kWh) | 0.8690 (86.90 pesewas) | 1.15 kWh |
| 0–300 kWh | 1.9688 (196.88 pesewas) | 0.51 kWh |
Non-Residential (Small Businesses, Shops, Offices)
| Consumption Band | Rate (GH¢ per kWh) | Units per GH¢1 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–300 kWh | 1.7775 (177.75 pesewas) | 0.56 kWh |
| 301 kWh and above | 2.1649 (216.49 pesewas) | 0.46 kWh |
Special Load Tariff (Large-Scale Consumers)
| Voltage Category | Rate (GH¢ per kWh) | Units per GH¢1 |
|---|---|---|
| Low Voltage | 2.3211 (232.11 pesewas) | 0.43 kWh |
| High Voltage | 1.8212 (182.12 pesewas) | 0.55 kWh |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations
| Rate Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy Charge | 201.60 pesewas per kWh (0.50 kWh per GH¢1) |
| Monthly Service Charge | GH¢50,000 |
Source: The High Street Business
This is the first dedicated commercial tariff for EV charging stations in Ghana, marking a significant step in the country’s green energy transition .
What This Means for Different Consumers
For Lifeline Customers
If you are a lifeline customer (consuming between 0 and 30 kWh per month), you get the most value for your money—approximately 1.15 units per cedi. This is a subsidised rate designed to make electricity affordable for low-income households .
However, if your consumption exceeds 30 kWh in any month, you will not qualify for the lifeline rate on your subsequent purchases. The standard residential rate of 0.51 units per cedi will apply.
For Standard Residential Customers
Most households fall into this category. At 0.51 units per cedi, a GH¢100 purchase would give you approximately 51 kWh of electricity.
For Small Businesses
Non-residential customers consuming up to 300 kWh per month get 0.56 units per cedi—slightly better than standard residential customers. However, once consumption exceeds 300 kWh, the rate drops to 0.46 units per cedi.
Why the Number of Units Per Cedi Can Vary
Even within the same tariff category, the number of units you get per cedi may not always be exactly as calculated. Here is why:
1. Tariff Changes
The PURC reviews tariffs quarterly. The current rates (April–June 2026) are lower than the first quarter rates due to the 4.81% reduction . If the cedi weakens or inflation rises in future quarters, tariffs could increase again, reducing the number of units per cedi.
2. Previous Tariff Rates (January–March 2026)
For comparison, here were the rates before the April reduction:
| Category | Old Rate (GH¢ per kWh) | Units per GH¢1 (Old) | New Rate | Units per GH¢1 (New) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline | 0.8837 | 1.13 | 0.8690 | 1.15 |
| Residential (0–300) | 2.0021 | 0.50 | 1.9688 | 0.51 |
The April reduction improved the number of units per cedi for all categories.
3. Smart Meter Accuracy
Some customers have reported that their prepaid units seem to deplete faster than expected. ECG has stated that old meters were under-recording consumption, while new smart meters capture accurate readings . If you recently received a smart meter replacement, you may perceive that you are getting fewer units per cedi when, in fact, your old meter was simply inaccurate.
4. Hidden Electrical Faults
If your credit is depleting faster than the calculations above would suggest, there may be hidden issues in your home wiring—leakage, earthing problems, or faulty appliances. These faults can drain electricity without your knowledge .
How to Calculate Your Expected Units
To calculate how many units you should get for any amount:
Units = Amount Paid (GH¢) × Units per Cedi for your category
Examples:
| If you pay… | Category | Calculation | Expected Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| GH¢50 | Lifeline | 50 × 1.15 | 57.5 kWh |
| GH¢50 | Residential (0–300) | 50 × 0.51 | 25.5 kWh |
| GH¢100 | Residential (0–300) | 100 × 0.51 | 51 kWh |
| GH¢200 | Residential (0–300) | 200 × 0.51 | 102 kWh |
Keep in mind that these are approximate figures. The exact units may vary slightly due to rounding and system calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many units do I get for GH¢1 of ECG prepaid credit?
For a standard residential customer (0–300 kWh per month), you get approximately 0.51 kWh per cedi. For a lifeline customer, you get approximately 1.15 kWh per cedi .
2. Why does my neighbour get more units per cedi than I do?
Your neighbour may be in a different tariff category. Lifeline customers (0–30 kWh per month) pay a subsidised rate and receive more units per cedi. Also, non-residential customers have different rates .
3. How many units will I get for GH¢100 of ECG credit?
If you are a standard residential customer, GH¢100 will give you approximately 51 kWh. If you are a lifeline customer, GH¢100 will give you approximately 115 kWh .
4. Why do I seem to get fewer units than the calculation suggests?
Possible reasons include: your meter may need calibration; you may have hidden electrical faults (leakage, earthing issues); your consumption may have pushed you into a higher tariff band; or you may have received a new smart meter that is more accurate than your old one .
5. What is the lifeline tariff and who qualifies?
The lifeline tariff is a subsidised rate for low-income households consuming between 0 and 30 kWh per month. It is designed to make electricity affordable for vulnerable consumers .
6. Do the units per cedi change when tariffs are adjusted?
Yes. The PURC reviews tariffs quarterly. When tariffs increase, you get fewer units per cedi. When tariffs decrease (as they did in April 2026), you get more units per cedi .
7. Are the rates the same for postpaid customers?
Postpaid customers pay the same tariff rates per kWh as prepaid customers. The difference is in the billing method, not the rate .
8. How do I check which tariff category I am in?
Check your meter or your most recent purchase receipt. You can also contact ECG customer service at 0302 611 611 to confirm your tariff category.
9. Will the night tariff for the 24-Hour Economy affect units per cedi?
The proposed night tariff (expected in late 2026) will have a different rate structure. Details have not yet been finalised, but it is expected to offer lower rates during off-peak hours (11pm–4am) .
10. How can I maximise the value of my electricity credit?
Stay within the lifeline band (0–30 kWh) if possible. Use energy-efficient appliances. Turn off devices when not in use. Replace old appliances with newer, more efficient models. Have a certified electrician inspect your wiring for hidden faults .
Conclusion From ASJ
The number of electricity units you get for one Ghana cedi depends entirely on your tariff category. Under the current ECG tariff (effective April 1, 2026):
-
Lifeline customers (0–30 kWh): 1.15 units per cedi
-
Standard residential customers (0–300 kWh): 0.51 units per cedi
-
Non-residential customers (0–300 kWh): 0.56 units per cedi
-
Non-residential customers (301+ kWh): 0.46 units per cedi
These figures represent the value you receive for your money. The April 2026 tariff reduction improved the number of units per cedi for all categories, driven by the appreciating cedi and falling inflation .
If your credit seems to be depleting faster than these calculations suggest, investigate further. Your meter may need calibration, your wiring may have hidden faults, or you may have recently received a new smart meter that is simply more accurate than your old one .
Understanding your tariff is the first step toward managing your electricity consumption and ensuring you are getting fair value for your money.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
