The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is embarking on a multifaceted strategy to bolster the nation’s power supply and alleviate the persistent challenge of power outages, particularly during the dry season. Under the leadership of its newly appointed Interim Managing Director, Thomas Gonkewon, the corporation is implementing a series of initiatives aimed at improving reliability, transparency, and customer service. Central to this strategy is a revamped load management plan designed to minimize outage durations, ensuring that no community experiences power cuts exceeding eight hours. This initiative will be accompanied by increased transparency in communicating load shedding schedules and enhanced 24-hour customer service to promptly address technical issues and customer concerns. The LEC acknowledges the importance of affordable and sustainable electricity for economic growth and is committed to ensuring fair tariff structures that reflect both operational needs and customer affordability.
A key element of the LEC’s enhanced power supply strategy involves strengthening its power generation capacity through a combination of existing infrastructure improvements, new power generation projects, and strategic power purchase agreements. The corporation has secured a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Côte d’Ivoire Energies (CI-ENERGIES), guaranteeing a 50MW energy supply through the CLSG Transmission Line. This agreement, along with the procurement of an additional 20MW of “Extra Energy” to address peak demand periods, represents a significant step towards ensuring consistent electricity supply. However, the LEC cautions that unforeseen technical challenges beyond its control might necessitate occasional load adjustments.
The LEC is also focusing on restoring and expanding the capacity of its existing power generation facilities. Three of the four turbines at the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant are currently operational, providing a substantial contribution to the national grid. The fourth turbine, currently out of service due to insulation failure, is scheduled for repairs commencing in March 2025, with completion expected by March 2026. This $5.5 million repair project, funded by the World Bank’s LESSAP initiative and awarded to SINOHYDRO Corporation Limited, will restore the plant’s full 88MW capacity.
In addition to repairs, the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant is undergoing significant expansion. A new 20MWp solar power plant, funded by the World Bank’s RESPITE Project, is under construction and expected to be operational by October 2025. This $16 million project will diversify the energy mix and contribute to a more sustainable power supply. Further expansion of the hydropower plant, involving the addition of two new turbines, is also planned, with funding secured from the World Bank to the tune of $62 million. This expansion will increase the plant’s capacity by over 50%, significantly boosting the overall power generation capacity.
Looking towards the future, the LEC is exploring the development of a new hydroelectric dam, SP2, to be located upstream of the St. Paul River in Bong County. This ambitious project, currently in the feasibility study phase, is projected to generate between 150-200MW of power and represents a significant investment estimated at approximately $700 million. The SP2 project underscores the LEC’s long-term commitment to enhancing Liberia’s energy infrastructure and ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply for the nation.
The LEC’s comprehensive strategy, encompassing load management improvements, enhanced customer service, strategic power purchases, infrastructure rehabilitation, and ambitious expansion projects, demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing Liberia’s energy challenges. The corporation recognizes the critical role of reliable electricity in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Liberians. The successful implementation of these initiatives will not only alleviate the current challenges of power outages but also lay the foundation for a more robust and sustainable energy future for Liberia. The revised tariff proposal submitted to the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), covering the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, aims to balance the corporation’s operational needs with customer affordability, ensuring a fair and sustainable pricing structure. The transparent engagement with the LERC demonstrates the LEC’s commitment to responsible financial management and its dedication to serving the best interests of the Liberian people. This comprehensive approach, combining short-term solutions for immediate relief with long-term investments in infrastructure development, positions Liberia for a brighter future powered by reliable and sustainable electricity.
