By S. Siapha Mulbah
The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has licensed LibEnergy to provide and operate energy and electrical services to the southeastern region of Liberia, as provided by the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia.
On Thursday December 7, 2023, stakeholders in the energy sector of the country, including the Liberia Electricity Cooperation (LEC), Ministry of Mines and Energy, and others, assembled at the Sinkor Palace Hotel in Monrovia to witness the licensing program of the private energy operator LibEnergy to freely operate in the southeast in Maryland, Rivergee, and Grand Gedeh Counties.
Lawrence Sekajipo, the chairperson on the board of commissioners at the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission, explained that the Commission conducted all of the necessary processes and pursued to the fullest the best of information before clearing the licensing requirement for the private sector energy company.
According to Sekajipo, the license issued to LibEnergy is valid for five years to operate in the southeast in the counties named, and other parts of Nimba including, Tappita. He noted that the issuance of the Large Micro Utility Distribution License was also based on the response of the inhabitants of projected counties over their quest for electricity.
Receiving the license, the Chief Executive Officer of LibEnergy, Maissa Diagne, described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the energy sector, especially in the southeast.
He said, “This is an event that marks an important step in our commitment to excellence and the decentralization of access to quality electrical services to our community.”
According to him, the event of licensing his institution has been the result of hard work, dedication and exceptional collaboration between his team, LEC, and LERC, as he lauded the government of Liberia for pushing the interest of the country and taking steps to push electricity to other parts of the country.
The Chief Executive of LibEnegry sees the task of assuming responsibility to provide electricity across the southeast as an opportunity that comes with many expectations, and he vowed his institution’s commitment to achieving in its operation by staying at the forefront of technology, exploring new ways to maximize energy efficiency, expanding the grid and contributing to the transition to more sustainable energy sources, among other strategies.
“This electrical network, beyond its technical aspect, is the beating heart of our community. It powers our homes, our businesses, our schools, creating the conditions necessary for growth and prosperity. As stewards of this critical infrastructure, we have a responsibility to ensure its stability, security, and accessibility for all,” Diagne asserted.
