MONROVIA – The Liberia Regulatory Commission (LERC) has achieved another milestone with the launch of three regulatory instruments to aimed at introducing standards within the electricity sector.
By: Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
With support from the European Union, the Government of Liberia, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, the LERC on Wednesday launched the Certification and Licensing of Electrical Professionals and Contractors’ Regulations. This regulation outlines the qualification criteria for electrical professionals and contractors to carry out electrical work.
The second instrument, the Electrical Wiring Regulations, establish the requirements, procedures and practices for the enforcement of minimum standards for distribution of electrical energy in and around all types of structures including residential and commercial premises, public buildings, factories or industries, construction sites, farmhouses, booths, temporary installations and playgrounds.
The regulations also ensure the safety of persons, livestock and property from hazards that arise from the use of electricity, including safety against electric shocks, burns and fire.
The Liberia Electrical Wiring Code provides the general technical guidelines for implementation of the certification and licensing of electrical professionals and contractors’ regulations and the Electrical Wiring Regulations.
At the launch, the LERC Managing Director, Augustus V. Goanue said after the transitional period, no one will undertake electrical work unless that person has been certified or licensed under these regulations.
“We therefore count on the collective support of all electricity sector stakeholders as was exemplified during the technical review and validation workshops, to ensure compliance with these regulations,” Mr. Guanue said.
He said as the LERC moves into implementation of these regulations, the Commission will ensure the establishment of the interview panel consisting of representatives of relevant institutions or organizations as enshrined in the regulations.
He added that in consultation with the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Division of the Ministry of Education, the LERC will designate TVET institutions to conduct the written and practical examinations as part of the certification scheme.
Speaking further, he noted that the Commission intends to enter memorandums of understanding (MOUS) with the designated TVET institutions for testing and evaluation of candidates as part of the certification and licensing program.
He said: “If the electricity sector of Liberia must develop to heights that we all envision, then quality of service and standardization of processes cannot be overemphasized.”
He thanked the Government of Liberia, and stakeholders of the electricity sector for their continuous support, especially the European Union for its long-term technical assistance to the LERC, which he said, has resulted to an improved electricity regulatory environment in Liberia.
