By Moses J. Dawoe
(freelance)
Maryland County
The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) recently held consultative talks with residents of Maryland County tackled persistent electricity issues that have long plagued the area.
During the meeting, the Director of Technical Services at LERC, Abu Dekonte Sanson, addressed the numerous complaints from local lawmakers and residents regarding the high cost of meters sold by LIBENERGY, the region’s electricity service provider.
Mr. Sanson outlined the LERC’s goals, which, according to him, include resolving ongoing disputes related to meter sales and enhancing transparency and communication between the Commission and the public.
He highlighted that the agreement with LIBENERGY, involves creating greater awareness of their services, ensuring fair service provision, extending electricity to new communities, and fulfilling responsibilities such as supplying transformers, connectors, and wires.
Despite these objectives, Mr. Sanson noted concerns about LIBENERGY’s effectiveness in meeting these commitments.
LIBENERGY, which holds a five-year license to operate in Maryland, River Gee, and parts of Nimba County, has faced criticism for its management of infrastructure and service delivery.
The August 31, 2024, brought together key stakeholders including local government officials, marketers, and religious leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities.
Pleebo Sodoken District Statutory Superintendent Aloysius Williams voiced concerns about the removal of meters initially installed by the African Development Bank under the ALPHA TND project.
These meters, which were supposed to be free, are now reportedly being sold for US$130 each, a practice Mr. Williams argues, is both unfair and inconsistent with pricing in other regions of Liberia.
He has called for a review of this situation and the reinstatement of the terms of the original agreement.
In response to the high costs of electricity, Pleebo City Mayor, Larry G. Geekor, who represented the Concerned Current Users committee, criticized the $0.25 per kilowatt-hour fee as excessive and unaffordable for many residents.
Mr. Karton Negba, chairperson of the committee, enumerated over 30 issues which need to be addressed by LIBENERGY, if the entity is serious about alleviating dissatisfaction expressed electricity consumers.
The engagement between LERC and Maryland County residents underscores the challenges in providing equitable and affordable electricity services and highlights the urgent need for continued dialogue and sector reform.
