GANTA, Nimba County — The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has opened a public hearing in Ganta on the renewal of Jungle Energy Power’s (JEP) electricity distribution licence, bringing together regulators, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), local authorities, businesses, civil society organisations and consumers to assess the company’s performance and provide public input. The hearing forms part of the regulatory process before LERC determines whether JEP should continue operating under its existing distribution arrangement.
LEC flags operator performance, calls for stronger accountability
A key intervention came from LEC Deputy Managing Director for Administration Eric A. B. Fredericks, who told stakeholders that improving electricity services requires stronger accountability from operators, effective regulation and greater investment in Liberia’s domestic generation capacity. Fredericks explained that LEC holds the distribution permit and manages electricity assets in the area, while JEP operates as a partner responsible for the day-to-day management of the system.
He acknowledged shortcomings among some electricity service operators and said LEC has been conducting assessments to determine whether they are meeting required performance standards.
“We were with LERC two or three months ago for an assessment and found serious problems,” Fredericks said, noting that an operator in the area is currently on probation while further assessments are carried out.
Fredericks said JEP had performed comparatively better than some other operators, but stressed that there was still room for improvement. He said compliance officers attending the hearing were documenting complaints and concerns raised by consumers, which would help guide corrective measures where necessary. His intervention placed service quality, operator accountability and consumer protection among the central issues under consideration as stakeholders debated JEP’s licence renewal.
Fredericks highlights Liberia’s hydropower potential
Fredericks also used the hearing to highlight what he described as Liberia’s significant untapped hydropower potential, arguing that increased domestic electricity generation could reduce the country’s reliance on imported power and expensive thermal generation. He said Liberia has the potential to generate as much as 1,000MW from hydropower if the country’s resources are adequately developed.
Until additional domestic generation capacity is developed, Fredericks warned that Liberia would continue relying on imported electricity and costly thermal generation, contributing to the high cost of electricity for consumers.
LERC promises transparent process
Opening the hearing, LERC Managing Director Augustus V. Goanue said Liberia’s 2015 Electricity Law provides the legal foundation for the commission’s regulation and licensing of electricity generation, transmission and distribution. Goanue said electricity distribution licences are issued for specific periods and must undergo a renewal process that includes regulatory scrutiny and public consultation.
“We want to be as transparent as possible and make sure there is inclusion and public consultation in everything we do,” Goanue said.
He said the Ganta hearing was intended to give consumers and stakeholders a direct voice in the regulatory process before the commission reaches its final decision. Participants included representatives of the county administration, legislature, Ganta city authorities, businesses, civil society organisations, NGOs, youth and women’s groups, as well as members of Citizens United for Fair Electricity Services (CUFFIES).
LERC said JEP had submitted the required documentation for its licence-renewal application. The commission will now consider the public submissions alongside its regulatory assessment before reaching a determination. Goanue also highlighted LERC’s recently opened regional office in Ganta, which is expected to strengthen engagement with electricity consumers and provide a channel for complaints and submissions from Ganta, Sanniquellie, Saclepea, Bahn and surrounding communities.
The hearing underscores the growing focus on the performance of electricity service providers as Liberia seeks to improve reliability, strengthen consumer protection and expand access to affordable electricity.
By Energy Crossroad
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