Monrovia – Liberia has made notable progress in its post-war recovery, but the energy sector has long been a persistent challenge. The country’s primary source of electricity is the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant in White Plains, which has a maximum generating capacity of 88 megawatts. However, output has plummeted to just 35 megawatts due to the seasonal drop in the St. Paul River’s water level.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

To supplement the shortfall, the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) has relied on thermal power plants at Bushrod Island, which use fuel oil. Yet, even with that backup, the national grid has been unable to meet growing demand. Load shedding became the norm, and many communities were left with just 4–5 hours of electricity per day.

But things are changing.

Under the leadership of Mohammed Mulibah Sherif—appointed Acting Managing Director of LEC in April—power supply has significantly improved. Sherif, who brings extensive experience from his role as former General Manager of the regional power transmission company TRANSCO CLSG (Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea), attributes the turnaround to a mix of leadership, strategic planning, and regional cooperation.

“I bring years of experience in Liberia, the region, and beyond,” Sherif said. “You have to engage the regional bloc—identify excess power, negotiate, and bring it on board. There’s no other option in the short term; you must rely on imports before optimizing domestic generation. That’s what we’re doing now.”

A New Era of Reliable Power

Speaking to reporters at his Waterside Office, Sherif explained that the current power mix includes 35 megawatts from Mount Coffee and 50 megawatts imported via CLSG, and about 15 from the heavy fuel oil (HFO) thermal plants, allowing LEC to generate around 100 megawatts—a level that has practically eliminated load shedding.

“Everyone gets light. Our feeders are all on. It’s about effective leadership—responding quickly to changes, recalibrating when things don’t work, and moving forward decisively,” he said.

Upon assuming office, Sherif said he commissioned a full assessment of the entire power value chain—generation, transmission, distribution, and commercial services. Based on the findings, his team focused on addressing low-hanging fruits and empowering staff.

“We gave the team autonomy, support, and tools—and held them accountable. The result is improved service. We’re driven by outcomes, not praise. We’ll keep accelerating until Liberia gets what it deserves,” he added.

Long-term Solutions on the Horizon

Sherif announced ambitious projects aimed at ending Liberia’s reliance on imported electricity. Key among them is a 270-megawatt gas-powered plant to be built in Grand Bassa County under a public-private partnership—the first of its kind in Liberia.

“This project will transform Liberia’s energy sector,” he said, noting that groundbreaking will take place soon, with the first phase delivering 140 megawatts in 15 months. The site will also host a technical college and a hospital.

LEC is also collaborating with the World Bank to expand Mount Coffee’s capacity by an additional 40 megawatts. In addition, a 20-megawatt solar power facility near Mount Coffee is set to become operational by October.

“The World Bank has approved funds for battery storage for the solar plant, which is vital for bridging the energy gap during the dry season,” Sherif noted.

These projects, he said, are all part of a larger vision to achieve energy independence while maintaining beneficial regional partnerships.

Tackling Government Debt

On the issue of debts owed to LEC by government ministries and agencies, Sherif disclosed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance to establish a more sustainable model.

“We’re working to settle legacy debts and considering a prepaid system, but it must be backed by accurate data on individual ministries’ consumption. We’re proposing an escrow account into which the Ministry of Finance can pay based on allotments requested by various agencies,” he explained.

Why He Took the Job

Sherif, an economist by training, previously served as Director General of TRANSCO CLSG and as Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance from 2012 to 2014. On why he accepted the role at LEC, he said it was a decision rooted in patriotism.

“There’s nowhere like home. I came back out of love for country, not for money. I took nearly a 50% pay cut and left a regional role managing four countries. When I see countries like Ghana, Benin, and Togo with 24/7 electricity, I ask, why not Liberia? I knew I could help,” he said.

Cracking Down on Power Theft

Sherif identified power theft as one of the most pressing challenges facing the LEC. He emphasized that reducing theft is critical for sustaining improved electricity supply.

“If Liberians stop stealing power and just buy their tokens, we won’t need central government subsidies. Power theft is costing LEC about 27–30% in losses—nearly US$40 million annually. In a few years, that could rise to US$100 million—money that could build new hydro, gas, or solar plants,” he warned.

LEC, he added, has rolled out technologies to detect illegal connections and is urging the public to report offenders.

“If you see something, say something. Even if it’s one of our employees. We now have technology to track usage and identify theft. If your meter shows no activity but you have electricity, we’ll know—and we’re coming,” Sherif warned.

He noted that in addition to the anti-power theft taskforce, LEC Is leveraging intelligence reports to crack down on violators.

Meeting Regional Financial Obligations

Under Sherif’s leadership, Liberia has begun settling debts owed to regional power suppliers—an issue that had previously affected supply.

“We’ve made significant progress. We recently paid US$500,000 to CLSG and US$4.5 million to CI-Energies in Côte d’Ivoire. That’s why you’re seeing more consistent power,” he said.

MONROVIA – FrontPage Africa has gathered that the decision not to renew the contracts of the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) Chief Executive Officer, Monie Captan, and Kwame Kpekpena the Chief Operating Officer (COO) was reportedly submitted unilaterally by LEC Board Chair Emmanuel Tulay without full board approval.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpagefricaonline.com

According to minutes from a recent board meeting, members had initially urged a comprehensive evaluation of the contracts and relevant performance data for the CEO and COO before any decisions were made. Yet, Tulay reportedly forwarded a recommendation for non-renewal directly to the President, without consulting the board or completing the evaluation process.

Excerpt, LEC Board Meeting Minutes: “The Board Chair informed the Board of the need to make a decision on the transition of the CEO and COO in view of the expiration of their contracts on November 30th and November 15th respectively. The Board discussed the need to have access to the contracts and other supporting documents in order to properly advise their decision. It was also discussed and agreed that retention or replacement of the CEO and COO needed to be done in a transparent and justified manner.”

Also, FPA gathered this recommendation appears to have been implemented even before it was officially submitted to the President’s office, raising questions about procedural integrity and transparency.

When board members became aware of the Chairman’s alleged unilateral actions, an emergency meeting was convened on November 5, 2024. During this meeting, Tulay reportedly apologized but justified his actions by claiming that he had the President’s endorsement. To support his position, he presented documents exchanged with the President’s office, although these contained inconsistencies in the timeline of events.

Notably, board members discovered that the notice of non-renewal was dated four days before the President’s office received the Chairman’s alleged recommendations. According to the documented timeline, the President had supposedly “approved” the non-renewal recommendation a day before the board had formally met to make any decisions, casting further doubt on the validity of Tulay’s actions.

The board’s response was divided, with the Ministers of Finance and Mines and Energy, both close allies of Captan, urging the board to accept an apology rather than pursue a formal investigation. Some board members, however, expressed determination to expose what they described as a potential plot to mislead the President, whom they believe was unwittingly involved.

Outside interference?

Sources reveal that Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karngar-Lawrence previously blocked Tulay’s confirmation during a confirmation hearing. Allegedly, Senator Karngar-Lawrence had a vested interest in a Karpowership contract for which she had secured US$6 million in the 2024 budget but was reportedly rejected by LEC management.

Karpower is a Turkish company that owns a large fleet of powerships that dock at the harbors and connect to the national grid of coastal countries. Currently the company is providing electricity to several African countries including neighboring Sierra Leone.

For sometimes now, the company has been attempting to come to Liberia. During the Weah-Taylor administration, a controversial power proposal was presented to the government but drew strong condemnation from international stakeholders investing millions in the quest for stable electricity for Liberia. Upon the ascendancy of the UP-led government, the company returned, submitting a proposal and prevailing on the Boakai administration to have the ship brought to Liberia in hopes of easing the power needs for millions of Liberians craving electricity.

However, judging from past experience, Captan was not in favor of the deal. FPA gathered that the Pro Tempore may have struck a deal with Tulay to support his confirmation in exchange for his commitment not to renew the CEO and COO’s contracts and, instead, to appoint her brother-in-law, Emmanuel Lawrence, as Managing Director.

As the board considers its next steps, the controversy raises critical questions about governance at LEC and the influence of external political forces on its operations. President Boakai’s response to the allegations remains to be seen, as internal and public pressure mounts for greater accountability in LEC’s leadership decisions.

Critical Pathway Ahead for LEC

This month, the contracts for CEO Captan and COO Kwame Kpekpena will expire. Both were appointed under a World Bank procurement process, with their salaries and benefits funded through a tripartite agreement between the Government of Liberia, LEC, and the World Bank. Their pending departures raise significant questions about the future direction of LEC and Liberia’s electricity sector as a whole.

Concerns over the high salaries paid to Captan and Kpekpena have sparked debate, but experts argue that, given LEC’s scale—with over a billion dollars in assets and millions in monthly revenue—international-standard compensation is necessary to attract qualified leadership, especially when funded by global partners to maintain integrity and deter corruption. Captan and Kpekpena are widely viewed as the preferred leaders by LEC’s international stakeholders, and the uncertainty surrounding their contract renewals has created a critical juncture for LEC.

Currently, LEC is engaged in multiple ambitious projects, including the SP2 solar-hydroelectric dam in Fuamah District, expected to generate 200 MW of power, and a 20 MW solar farm, along with the planned expansion of the Mount Coffee hydroelectric plant from 88 MW to 148 MW. Another 16.5 MW solar project along the Roberts International Airport (RIA) corridor is also in progress. However, the future of these initiatives may be jeopardized if LEC’s leadership is altered without considering partner expectations.

Implications of Non-Renewal on LEC and Liberia’s Power Sector

According to inside sources, high-level discussions among LEC’s partners have highlighted concerns about Captan and Kpekpena’s potential departure. If their contracts are not renewed, LEC could face a decline in financial stability, potentially affecting employee welfare and operational stability. The corporation’s growing wage bill could lead to workforce reductions, with contract employees and those in strategic roles facing potential layoffs to make room for politically motivated appointments—already a common practice.

Under Captan and Kpekpena, LEC has seen improvements in employee satisfaction, operational stability, and stronger partnerships, enhancing its reputation and donor confidence. A change in leadership that does not align with international partners’ preferences could risk these gains, placing LEC on a precarious path.

Beyond internal operations, the possible fallout could affect Liberia’s regional commitments. The CLSG (Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea) Power Purchase Agreement, which supplies Liberia with 25-50 MW of electricity annually, might be at risk if LEC’s financial situation deteriorates. Defaulting on these commitments could strain Liberia’s relations with neighboring countries and disrupt the nation’s power supply, pushing it back toward energy insecurity.

Broader Economic and Investment Risks

Uncertainty over LEC’s management future may deter international investors who have shown interest in Liberia’s energy sector, leading to a potential slowdown in infrastructure development. Should these projects stall, there could be wider economic consequences, including increased electricity tariffs, exacerbating power theft, and reducing public access to electricity.

In addition, millions of dollars in investments could be lost if LEC’s projects and partnerships collapse, potentially stalling growth across multiple industries as the cost of goods and services rises. A recovery from such a scenario could take years, threatening Liberia’s development.

Monrovia-The Senate’s Committee on Hydrocarbon, Energy and Environment (HEE) has given the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) 10-day ultimatum to provide clarity on the proposed increment of tariffs on electricity by both entities without briefing the Legislature.

By Jaheim T. Tumu- jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

In a communication addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of LEC, Monie Captan, the Committee Chairman Bomi County Senator, Edwin Melvin Snowe said both institutions provided the information by means of public space without prior consultation or briefing to the Senate through the HEE Committee, which is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability, especially in decisions impacting the broader economy and livelihoods of the citizenry.

Said Senator Snowe, “There is no gainsaying that tariffs increment on electricity by both the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) is unhealthy at the time when our citizens are faced with pressing economic challenges.”

Recently LEC has submitted a proposal for new electricity tariffs covering the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027 to the LERC.  Accordingly, the proposed changes require approval from the Commission and are being put forward in accordance with Section 8.1(2) of the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia. This section stipulates that “a licensee may not charge a customer any tariff other than that determined or approved by the Regulator.”

As per the proposed changes, if approved by LERC, connection charges for single-phase meters would see a significant increase, jumping from $20.00 to $82.00 per customer. This represents an astounding increase of 310%. Charges for three-phase meters are expected to nearly double as well, highlighting an anticipated increase of around 80%.
However, Senator Snowe emphasized that in accordance with the legal mandate, the Committee would like to formally request the submission of a detailed information and or analysis on this matter within Ten (10) working days beginning as of the date of this communication.


“This inquiry is not only necessitated by the pressing economic challenges facing our people, but the need for clear communication and oversight on matters affecting public welfare, ” Bomi Senator noted.

He added, “We are hugely interested in understanding the rationale, structure, and projected impact of this tariff increase, and would expect a thorough explanation of the methodology, projected financial outcomes, as well as consumers’ protection.”

Montserrado County—The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the World Bank, has officially broken ground for a 20MW solar power plant, a significant step towards enhancing the nation’s electricity supply. 

The event marks Liberia’s ambition to combat seasonal power shortages and transition towards renewable energy sources.

This initiative comes under the World Bank’s Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE), which allocated $96 million in financing specifically for Liberia to develop the solar plant, expand the Mt. Coffee Hydroelectric Plant, and provide technical assistance for the St. Paul River basin. RESPITE’s total budget of $311 million encompasses efforts across four countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Chad.

International Consolidated Contractors (ICC) emerged victorious through an international competitive procurement process, securing the contract for the design, supply, and installation of the solar facility. The contract, awarded on July 30, 2024, is valued at $15,598,472 with an expected completion date of August 2025. 

During the groundbreaking ceremony on October 11, 2024, President Joseph N. Boakai emphasized the project’s critical role in addressing the power shortages that plague Liberia, particularly during the dry season when hydroelectric production is limited. 

“This plant is the beginning of our strategic plan to address the power shortage in the dry season through the integration of solar energy, which is abundant when water levels are low,” he stated. 

Pres. Boakai said solar energy’s cost-effectiveness compared to hydro and its necessity in the country’s energy generation mix.

“My administration prioritizes the supply of adequate, reliable, and affordable energy,” he added, emphasizing that, “Without such energy, our ARREST agenda will face major challenges, impacting agriculture, education, healthcare, and overall economic productivity.”

The President reassured attendees of the government’s commitment towards energy investments, which include expanding the Mt. Coffee facility and exploring additional solar projects. 

He also acknowledged recent discussions with the SP2 Steering Committee, which have yielded a promising strategy for future hydroelectric development.

For his part, Monie R. Captan, Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), outlined how the surge in global fuel prices, exacerbated by the Ukrainian War, has placed immense pressure on Liberia’s energy costs. 

“Like many countries, Liberia found itself diverting essential resources from social programs to afford costly fuel for thermal generators,” he explained. 

Mr. Captan noted that, alongside the World Bank, countries like Sierra Leone, Togo, and Chad have collaboratively sought emergency solutions to the energy crisis.

Under the RESPITE initiative, the allocation of $96 million for Liberia is set to not only enhance the solar project but also expand the Mt. Coffee Hydro from 88MW to approximately 148MW. The integration of these renewable energy sources will increase Liberia’s installed capacity to 108MW, transitioning the energy mix to 74% renewable and 26% thermal energy. 

The planned hybrid system at Mt. Coffee aims to optimize energy production throughout both rainy and dry seasons, setting a precedent for future energy projects and enhancing private sector involvement in the solar energy landscape. 

President Boakai also extended his gratitude to various stakeholders involved in the project’s development, including the Ministries of Mines and Energy and Finance, LEC, and international partners such as the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the United States government.

As Liberia moves forward with the construction of this solar plant, the government reiterates its commitment to implementing sustainable energy solutions that will support its development agenda and boost the nation’s socio-economic landscape.

Monrovia – Liberia Electricity Cooperation (LEC) has dismissed claims from the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) that the reason behind the power outage at its party headquarters during their 2024 Youth Day Program was a result of political interference from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. 

By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)-websterclayeh@frontpageafricaonline.com

On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the main opposition party the Congress for Democratic Change held what it terms as Youth Day, a day that coincides with the 39th birthday celebration of the party’s Secretary General Jefferson Koijee. 

It was an eye-catching event as former President George Weah and other senior party’s leaders were in attendance to grace the occasion. 

The high euphoria from partisans to hear from former President Weah soon cut short after the power outage from LEC, the country’s power supplier. 

The former President’s securities struggled to get him past the half-cheering crowd in the dark -out of the party’s Headquarters. 

The incident of power outage has caused many partisans of CDC to point their hands at the LEC as they cited political interference from President Boakai. 

Speaking to the party’s Secretary General after the exit of former President Weah, Koijee said the action of the power outage from LEC is a sign of continued attack against the CDC.

“Mr. Boakai has no limitation to his political attack on the Congress for Democratic Change. We think that it is a conspicuous weaponization of the governance system against the opposition,” CDC Secretary General said.

Koijee furthers: “He weaponized the court, he weaponized each and every sector of the governance faucet of our country. Leadership begins not from the bottom, it begins from the top. Mr. Boakai has the mandate to display -even to those who disagree with him.”

“We were in the country with people who disagree with us, there were people who did not recognize us but it was in our plans to provide governance for them, to provide protection for them, we did not care and that is why protesters were being fed, protesters were being protected because we believe that the constitution provides the ambiance and atmosphere of protection for them,” CDC Secretary General added.

In response, LEC Senior Manager of Communication Information and Public Affairs Philip K. Faley said the claims from CDC partisans regarding political interference in power outage during CDC 2024 Youth Day is far from the truth.

“LEC is not a political institution. We are a respectable institution and we don’t root in the compliance of politics,” Faley said.

According to Foley, LEC does business on the basis of its efficiency adding that they provide electricity to everyone irrespective of their political affiliations.

“The corporation provides electricity to every other person. We got industrial customers all along that route, we got embassies, we got private corporations that pay thousands of dollars to our revenue. Why will LEC cut light to anyone regardless of their political affiliations,” the LEC Communication Manager said.

Monrovia – The Boakai administration’s efforts to stabilize and expand Liberia’s electricity supply are facing a serious threat after Ivory Coast warned that it would cut off power to Liberia if the government failed to settle its substantial debt.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The warning was issued by the Ivorian government through the Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité (CIE), the country’s electricity provider. In a letter seen by FrontPage Africa, CIE informed the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) that Liberia’s outstanding debt had reached US$19,691,647 as of the end of June 2024. The Ivorian electricity sector, currently grappling with financial difficulties due to rising generation costs, has declared the debt unsustainable.

In the communication, dated August 26, 2024, the Ivorian electricity company expressed frustration over LEC’s failure to honor its commitment to timely payments. As a result, CIE warned that it would be left with no choice but to suspend power supply to Liberia.

The letter stated: “Furthermore, please note that during our last collection visit in February 2024, you informed us of a new clearance plan with a view to reducing the level of unpaid MV bills. To date, this plan has not been complied with, as no payment has been made since the start of the period covered by the plan. Therefore, please note that, in the absence of a response from you within fifteen (15) days regarding the above-mentioned situations, we shall have no other choice than to implement the provisions of Articles 11.4 and 21.3 of the Power Sale Agreement, relating respectively to the suspension of power supply and termination in the event of default by the purchaser.”

LEC Flies to MFDP

In response to the looming crisis, LEC has urgently appealed to the Ministry of Finance to release funds to prevent the Ivorian government from cutting off the electricity supply.

In a letter dated September 3, 2024, LEC CEO Monie Captan wrote: 

LEC has received notice from CIE that cross border supply of electricity through the CLSG will be suspended within 15 days. As you will note, the 2024 National Budget allocated the amount of S3m for payment against energy debt to CIE of Cote d’Ivoire with monthly installments of $228,263.20, which was based on a reschedule of our cross-border debt upon the intervention of President Boakai during his official visit to Abidjan in March 2024.

Captan further noted that the government’s failure to disburse payments has left LEC unable to cover its debts. He urged the Ministry of Finance to urgently release US$2,054,368.80 to cover payments for January to September 2024 and requested additional funds to partially settle the government’s US$16 million debt to LEC.

Despite repeated attempts by FrontPage Africa to confirm whether the Ministry of Finance had responded, LEC management did not provide an update by the time of publication.

CLSG, an important power contributor

Liberia, along with Sierra Leone and Guinea, has one of the lowest electricity access rates globally, largely due to high fuel costs, insufficient generation capacity, and unreliable systems. The CLSG project, which enables these countries to import electricity from Ivory Coast, has been a critical lifeline, as Ivory Coast boasts a higher electrification rate and lower-cost electricity production.

The Boakai-Koung administration, upon taking office, endorsed LEC’s plan to boost Liberia’s energy supply. In addition to power generated from the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant, the CLSG line has enhanced electricity availability not only in rural areas but also in urban parts of the country.

In March 2024, President Boakai visited Ivory Coast, where he held productive discussions with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. A key outcome of the talks was Ivory Coast’s commitment to expanding its electricity grid to Liberia, which was expected to improve the country’s power supply.

However, observers warn that if the government fails to settle its debts and the CLSG power line is disconnected, it would be a severe setback for Liberia’s electricity sector, which is already struggling with rampant power theft.

Currently, Liberia’s electricity supply is relatively stable due to the rainy season. However, with the rainy season nearing its end, there are growing concerns that the loss of the CLSG power supply could cripple the country’s energy sector, especially during the dry season when water levels at the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant drop, leading to severe power shortages.

Monrovia – CEMENCO Liberia has signed-up to be the largest customer to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) by connecting its factory to the LEC grid that will now serve as the main source of its power generation. 

At a ceremony to commemorate the commissioning of LEC to CEMENCO held in Monrovia on Wednesday June 5, a formal agreement was signed between the LEC and CEMENCO that is intended to increase revenue for the NEC and reduce production cost of CEMECO.

The Partnership took effect by concretizing long months of hard work and cooperation between the two entities. The ambitious agreement is the fruit of a joint effort to promote and strengthen the local electricity network.

The agreement also means the LEC will not only be able to increase its investment capacities, but also allow CEMENCO to reduce its dependence on generators. According to Mr. William Ph. Gaignard, Managing Director of CEMENCO, said this progress is crucial to improving the reliability of the company’s electricity supply, an essential factor for the economic and social development of the country.

He also said, in addition to the progress, his company CEMENCO, will be able to benefit from renewable electricity which is essential in the company’s approach to reducing carbon emissions.

Said William Ph. Gaignard: “It is undeniable that this agreement goes beyond the simple supply of electricity. It also represents an exceptional opportunity for exchanges between our two companies. CEMENCO, as a priority partner, must play a key role in obtaining the supply of cement and ready-mixed concrete for all LEC projects, with qualitative and quantitative offers but also with the best financial solutions.”

“Our focus is to do two things, which include getting customers legally connected to the grid, creating access to both private and public sectors and paying attention to the energy transition. We, at LEC, will be moving towards an energy transition that moves us to renewable energy.”

Also Speaking, Mr. Monie Captan, LEC’s chief executive officer, commended CEMENCO for the confidence and disclosed of the LEC plans to connect other large businesses and entities, including the Roberts International Airport (RIA). 

He said, the LEC business strategy is to ensure that people using its service are metered and connected because, according to him, a survey has shown that 98% of people that were in illegal connections did not have meters and their strategy was to ensure that they metered them which has reduced commercial losses significantly.

“Expending the grid is a challenge for the government. In terms of poverty reduction, it is our mission to create access to electricity. We are carefully working to ensure more commercial entities get connected to the National grid. Today, CEMENCO joins a number of large customers including the US embassy.

“I also want to inform you that in a couple of weeks the Roberts International Airport (RIA) will also be connected to the LEC,” he added.

Mr. Captain also announced that, through the assistance of the World Bank, LEC are extending Mount Coffey, which has a resort capacity of 80-megawatt and they will be extending it to 148-megawatt.

 “The financing is available, we are now working on the procurement process. We are also adding the first utility size solar plant to the LEC generation portfolio which is a 20-megawatt solar plant at mount Coffey and that will be available by the end of next year. We are moving heavily to renewable energy so going forward, every hydro project we pursue we want to have a complimentary solar plant.”

Monrovia — The Management of LIBANGO has issued a warning to all customers purchasing LEC prepaid tokens from retail vendors. The notice comes in response to reports of criminal individuals posing as LEC prepaid token vendors, engaging in fraudulent activities and stealing from unsuspecting customers.

According to the press release, these fraudulent individuals have been setting up makeshift stalls with tables and umbrellas in various locations around Monrovia and Paynesville. They operate through third-party platforms and deceive customers by conducting purchases for different amounts than what the customer requests or pays. Subsequently, they provide counterfeit receipts to mask the discrepancy, effectively defrauding customers.

One such incident cited in the press release involved a customer who requested a $50 token but received a receipt for $50, while the actual token’s value was only $35. This illustrates the extent to which these criminals are exploiting unsuspecting customers, pocketing the price difference for themselves.

The Management of LIBANGO has emphasized that these criminal individuals are neither authenticated nor registered as approved LEC prepaid token vendors. They have resorted to creating counterfeit receipts to carry out their fraudulent activities.

Authorities have issued a stern warning, stating that any person found impersonating a vendor and committing fraud in the sale of LEC prepaid tokens will face arrest and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. They urge customers to report any instances of fraud and provide detailed information to both Libango and LEC.

To ensure the safety and security of customers, the press release advises all LEC prepaid customers to exclusively purchase tokens from approved and validated retail vendors and third-party vending platforms. A list of these authorized vendors and platforms is attached to the notice for reference.

MONROVIA – Power shedding remains a major part of the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s plan in dealing with the power crisis rocking the nation since the start of last year dry season.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

In LEC’s recent performance report which encapsulates the its current status, challenges and future plans, the Corporation stated that as it struggles to meet the energy demand in the country, especially in the capital, it would continue to ration the electricity as part of its strategy to handle the high demand.

In addition to rationing the electricity, LEC also disclosed that it has decided to maximize the utilization of the of its heavy fuel oil (HFO) thermal plants. According to the Corporation, while there are major power generation projects underway, there are also talks being held to increase energy imports through the TRANSCO CLSG transmission lines to reduce the impact of the load shedding.

LEC is also encouraging independent power producers to invest in power generation projects in Liberia.

According to the Corporation, it continues to grapple with power theft – the number hindrance to its sustainability and expansion.

“With exponential demand growth, the electrical network is stressed, putting pressure on already constrained conditions.  Customers demand more and better service quality.  Yet the competing demands on LEC’s limited resources make it difficult to adequately address all issues concomitantly.  LEC must simultaneously address the issues of electricity supply gaps, quality of service, customer connections, labor union demands, logistics, and power theft,” it stated in the performance report.

The foremost issue plaguing LEC is power theft, which continues to undermine the corporation’s financial stability despite recent strides. Commercial losses remain alarmingly high, posing a significant hurdle to LEC’s ability to purchase fuel for electricity generation and cover expenses for imported energy. According to the LEC in its report, addressing this problem necessitates not only the enforcement of existing anti-power theft laws but also widespread citizen support to safeguard the electric network against unauthorized tampering and illegal connections.

Secondly, LEC’s infrastructure is straining under the weight of expanding demand, nearing its maximum capacity. The Corporation noted that while upgrading transmission lines, substations, and transformers is imperative to enhance network performance, this endeavor demands substantial capital investment, primarily reliant on government funding. At the same time, neglecting such upgrades risks perpetuating inefficiencies and underperformance in the electrical grid, exacerbating the challenges faced by LEC.

The Gap Community Electrification project stands as a beacon of hope for underserved communities. Yet, significant barriers persist, with 37 Gap Communities, encompassing 33,768 households, still lacking access to the grid. Connecting these communities requires approximately US$12.6 million, a sum beyond LEC’s financial means without

The performance report underscored that the LEC has undergone a transformative period under new Liberian management, recording significant achievements and implementing innovative strategies to improve its performance.

Upon assuming operational control of LEC, the Liberian management addressed critical issues plaguing the corporation. Among their notable achievements, they successfully settled the $9 million debt owed to ECOBANK and cleared all outstanding salaries and benefits owed to employees. Moreover, they secured vital financing of $5.5 million through the World Bank LESSAP project for the repair of the damaged Mt. Coffee turbine, indicating a commitment to infrastructure improvement.

Additionally, the management’s swift action included the repair of all HFO thermal generators, ensuring their full availability and operation during the dry season. Financially, they reduced cross-border debt by $3.7 million, significantly decreasing the overall debt burden. Impressively, within just three months, they concluded negotiations for a Power Purchase Agreement with CI Energies/CIE and a Transmission Service Agreement with Transco CLSG, highlighting their efficiency in deal-making.

Industry Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) saw improvement under the Liberian management’s tenure. Aggregate technical and commercial losses dropped from 62.7% to 46.4%, with a notable reduction in commercial losses from 47.7% to 31.4%, marking a 34% decrease. Revenue soared from US$30.33 million to $54.67 million, representing an 80% increase, while the customer population nearly doubled from 142,947 to 282,505, showcasing a growth of 97.6%. Financial losses also saw a significant decline from -$20.9 million to -$12.9 million, marking a substantial 47.33% reduction.

Industry experts laud LEC’s performance under Liberian management as unmatched in the African region, particularly in commercial loss reduction, revenue performance, and customer connections. These achievements were driven by strategic initiatives implemented by the management team.

The Anti-Power Theft Task Force, established in November 2022, in collaboration with the Liberia National Police, has been instrumental in identifying and rectifying over fifty thousand unauthorized and illegal connections to the electric networks. The initiative, chaired jointly by the CEO and Mary T. Broh, successfully converted illegal connections to legal and paying customers, significantly reducing commercial losses.

Furthermore, the Agile Metering & Fault Resolution Program exemplifies the management’s commitment to prompt customer service. By mobilizing technicians and engineers on motorcycles within defined zones, the initiative ensures timely response to customer needs, ultimately reducing the time required to install meters or resolve complaints.

The management of LEC also outlined a comprehensive roadmap, setting forth key performance indicators guide its operations throughout 2024. Among the targets set by management are a reduction in commercial losses from 31.4% to 22.2%, an increase in revenue from $54.62 million to $82.81 million, a surge in customer connections from 282,505 to 366,669, and a decrease in financial losses from $12.9 million to $12.5 million.

These ambitious objectives come on the heels of strides made by LEC in 2022 and 2023, where the corporation underwent a transformative period

One of the key strategies adopted by LEC to achieve these targets is the signing of a framework meter supply contract with two manufacturers. Under this agreement, LEC is set to receive 300,000 meters over the course of three years. This move is poised to ensure a consistent supply of meters and streamline the process of connecting applicants to the network.

The significance of this initiative lies in its potential to combat commercial losses, a persistent challenge faced by LEC. Available data indicates that a considerable portion of illegal connections to the network stem from direct taps, highlighting the critical need for metering solutions.

Furthermore, LEC is doubling down on its efforts to combat power theft through the expansion and mainstreaming of the Anti-Power Theft initiative.

MONROVIA – ELTEL Network, a Swedish company that has been providing Low Voltage electrical materials to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) since September 27, 2019, is now threatening legal action if the outstanding debt of US$434,452 is not paid within 14 days.

By: Victoria G. Wesseh

The money in question resulted from a 2016 agreement between ELTEL Network and LEC for the Swedish Company to supply the electricity company with Low Voltage (LV) materials, which they did.

LV applications are diverse and include control rooms, distribution systems, lighting, communication systems, and security systems. LV wiring is often used in these applications, as it is designed for smaller currents and offers increased safety compared to regular wiring.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Gunner Edholm, in a statement released from Sweden on March 9, 2024, said they are issuing a 14-day ultimatum to LEC for full settlement of the money, or else they will resort to legal action.

Edholm said that since 2019-2020, the management of LEC has deliberately refused to settle the outstanding balance of US$434,452 despite several emails and official letters written to them.

Furthermore, Edholm said that on January 1, 2024, he wrote to the LEC Chief Executive Officer, Monie Captan, reminding him of the promises he made to settle the outstanding balance. Unfortunately, Captan has refused and failed to respond to the letter, leaving them with no option but to seek legal redress within the 14-day period, which expires by March 23.

The statement further said, “it is with deep regret that they have addressed the public regarding the ongoing issue of unpaid debt for the essential services they provided to the LEC from 2019-2020.”

Despite numerous emails and official letters written to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LEC, Monie Captan, he has refused to settle the debt, claims ELTEL Network’s Chief Executive Officer.

They claim that between 2019-2020, they offered to the LEC management a settlement agreement based on a direct payment of US$360,000, meaning if they were to accept the offer, ELTEL Network was going to waive US$74,452, which LEC failed to honor.