Liberia: Senate’s Committee on Hydrocarbon seeks Clarity On LEC, LERC’s Latest Tariffs Increment
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.”
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