The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has applauded the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for what it describes as an encouraging level of readiness as the country approaches the peak of the dry season, a period often characterized by reduced hydropower generation and increased demand for electricity. LERC’s commendation followed an inspection tour on Wednesday of LEC’s Bushrod Power Plant and the ongoing 20 MWp Solar PV Project at Mount Coffee.
The visit was led by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners (BoC), Hon. Claude J. Katta, who expressed satisfaction with the measures LEC has put in place to ensure uninterrupted power during the dry months. “We came here to conduct an inspection to assess LEC’s readiness and preparedness as we approach the dry season,” Chairman Katta said. “With the explanations provided and the level of work done, I am assured that LEC is prepared, and we hope this dry season will be a good one.” He noted that despite persistent challenges within the electricity sector, the Commission is encouraged by the corporation’s ongoing efforts to improve reliability and service delivery.
According to him, LERC remains committed to ensuring Liberians receive safe, reliable, and affordable electricity an obligation the Commission believes LEC is striving to fulfill. Chairman Katta further lauded LEC’s continued expansion initiatives across the country. Just days before the inspection, LERC amended LEC’s Distribution License, granting the corporation authority to operate in additional areas of Bong, Grand Bassa, and Rivercess counties. “Electricity is not only for people in Monrovia or big towns. The entire country needs access, and there is a need to continue expanding,” he emphasized.
During the tour, LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif briefed the LERC delegation on both administrative and operational measures being executed to improve service delivery. He highlighted the corporation’s close collaboration with the regulator to ensure that power supply during the dry season remains stable. Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Mr. Thomas Gonkawon, reaffirmed LEC’s readiness while addressing journalists. He said the corporation had demonstrated to the Commission the level of preparation undertaken to meet national electricity demand. “We have showcased what we plan to deliver to the Liberian people during the dry season,” he said. “We have briefed the regulatory body on the extent of our preparedness, and we can assure the public that we are fully prepared to deliver the required energy.”
Mr. Gonkawon underscored the strategic importance of phase one of the 20 MW Solar PV Project, emphasizing that daytime solar production will allow LEC to preserve water at the Mount Coffee Hydro Plant for nighttime operations. He described the 20 MW daytime injection as “highly commendable,” noting that it will significantly improve energy management during the dry season. He disclosed that LEC will also activate all thermal generation units and supplement domestic supply with imported electricity to meet national demand.
The solar plant is expected to begin commissioning in January 2026, with an initial 5 to 8 MW entering the grid by February before gradually scaling up to full capacity. As part of LEC’s digital transformation drive, Mr. Gonkawon announced that smart meter deployment will begin in 2026 as a means of reducing commercial losses and combating electricity theft. “The smart meters will provide detailed system parameters to help us identify theft locations quickly,” he said.
He also reaffirmed LEC’s support for national development goals, including the ARREST Agenda, AAID, and the Mission 300 initiative, which seeks to increase electricity access from 37 percent to 75 percent by 2030. The LERC delegation included Commissioners Amara M. Kamara, Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey II, and Engineer Abu Dekontee Sanso, Director for Technical Regulations all of whom participated in the tour and held technical discussions with LEC’s management team. The inspection concluded with a renewed sense of collaboration between the regulator and the national utility, as both institutions push toward improving electricity access and reliability for Liberians nationwide.
Author: Zac T. Sherman
