By Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners (BoC) of the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), Hon. Claude J. Katta, has expressed confidence in the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) level of preparedness as the country heads into the dry season.
He made the remarks on November 26 during an inspection tour of LEC’s Bushrod Power Plant and the ongoing 20 MWp Solar PV Project at Mount Coffee.Chairman Katta said the visit was part of LERC’s mandate to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable electricity across Liberia.“We came here to assess LEC’s readiness as we approach the dry season,” he 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.”
Despite challenges in the sector, Chairman Katta said the Commission is pleased with ongoing efforts to enhance supply reliability. He also praised LEC’s continued expansion, referencing the recent amendment of LEC’s Distribution License, which now allows the Corporation to serve parts of Bong, Grand Bassa, and Rivercess counties.
“Electricity is not only for people in Monrovia or big towns. The entire country needs access,” he noted.LEC Managing Director Mohammed M. Sherif briefed the visiting Commissioners on measures being taken to strengthen operations and ensure stable power during the dry season.
He emphasized the Corporation’s close collaboration with LERC to meet national energy expectations.
Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Mr. Thomas Gonkawon, reaffirmed LEC’s readiness while speaking to journalists during the tour.“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.”
He highlighted the importance of the 20 MW Solar PV Project, noting that daytime generation from the new solar facility will allow LEC to conserve water at the hydro plant for nighttime operations.
“The 20 MW injected into the network during the day is highly commendable,” he said. Gonkawon added that LEC will operate all thermal plants at full capacity and supplement local generation with imported power to meet rising demand.
The solar project is scheduled to begin commissioning in January 2026, with 5–8 MW expected on the grid by February before gradually reaching full capacity.
As part of LEC’s digital transformation agenda, he announced the rollout of smart metering in 2026, an initiative aimed at reducing commercial losses and curbing electricity theft.
“The smart meters will provide detailed system parameters to help us identify theft locations quickly,” he noted.Gonkawon also reaffirmed LEC’s alignment with the government’s ARREST Agenda, AAID, and Mission 300, which targets an increase in national electricity access from 37% to 75% by 2030.
The BoC delegation included Commissioners Amara M. Kamara and Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey II, along with the Director for Technical Regulations, Engineer Abu Dekontee Sanso.
