By Moses J. Dawoe-
Maryland (freelance)
The General Manager of LIBENERGY in Maryland County, Henry Hodges, addressed the significant financial dispute between Liberia and the Ivory Coast.
The Ivorian Government, through its electricity body, CIE, claimed that Liberia owes $19.6 million in unpaid electricity bills.
This figure includes the consumption of power by Liberia Electricity Corporation and LIBENERGY, covering Maryland, River Gee, Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties.
Mr. Hodges clarified that while LIBENERGY did not directly sign a contract with CIE, it has an agreement with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for power management and supply in the aforementioned counties.
This agreement, which is set to last for five years, outlines LIBENERGY’s role in providing electricity services, though it does not cover direct financial obligations to CIE.
Moreover, the LIBENERGY manager highlighted a major issue with the current billing system: customers are charged flat rates, which do not accurately reflect their electricity usage.
This discrepancy, he said, undermines the entity’s financial stability and operational efficiency.
Many customers are reportedly paying only maintenance fees rather than their full electricity bills, exacerbating the financial strain.
According to Mr. Hodges, to address these challenges, LIBENERGY has introduced prepayment meters in its operational areas.
These meters are intended to monitor actual consumption and prevent service interruptions due to non-payment.
The introduction of these meters is part of a broader plan to improve billing accuracy and to support the expansion of electricity services to new communities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hodges also pointed out that LIBENERGY acquired a debt from the previous management, CAPA, which was led by Wahla Dennis.
This debt, which dates back to the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration, has been carried over through subsequent administrations, including those of former President George Weah and now President Joseph Boakai.
Mr. Hodges however announced that September will see the installation of additional meters across LIBENERGY’s operational areas.
This move is aimed at strengthening relations with the Liberia Electricity Corporation and addressing the ongoing financial and operational challenges faced by the entity.