By Bill W. Cooper
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has announced that the Ivory Coast has drastically reduced its electricity supply to Liberia, thus cutting the provision from 50 megawatts (MW) unit to just 7.5 MW unit.
The latest decision however comes as Liberia continues to struggle with energy challenges, which now places additional pressure on the government, that has been striving to improve its electricity infrastructure and access.
Since the inception of the dry season, Liberians continue to struggle for stable electricity across Monrovia and its environs, thus resulting into the damaging of several businesses surviving on electricity, coupled with private homes appliances.
Liberia has historically relied on its neighbor for a significant portion of its electricity needs, and this latest development underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and investing in local generation capacity.
Though the LEC, the state-owned utility company, said it has and is still working tirelessly to expand access to electricity, the sudden drop in supply from Ivory Coast poses a significant setback.
In a statement issued Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the LEC said, “We regret to inform the public that Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricite (CIE), our power supplier under the Power Purchase Agreement, has requested an emergency load reduction of 85% due to production challenges and critical maintenance activities.
“As a result, the power supply from CIE to LEC has been reduced from 50MW to 7.5MW until further notice, and this adjustment is necessary to ensure the long-term stability and efficiency of their operations. The reduction in supply will affect electricity distribution in Monrovia and surrounding areas, leading to power outages beyond the normal schedule,” the statement noted.
According to LEC, in response to the unprecedented reduction, the company has activated its thermal power plant to help mitigate the shortfall caused by the reduced supply, and assured the public that it is doing everything possible to address the situation and impact on consumers.
The LEC maintained, “However, this contribution remains minimal in bridging the energy gap, especially as the water level at the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant continues to decline, rendering the facility incapable of generating adequate electricity.”
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and cooperation during this period. We assure the public that LEC remains in close communication with CIE and will provide timely updates as the situation progresses,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, some energy experts are calling for urgent investments in renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind, to reduce reliance on imported electricity and enhance energy security.
They added, “This situation highlights the need for Liberia to develop its own energy resources because by investing in renewable energy will not only provide a more stable supply but also contribute to sustainable development in the long run.”