By Akoi M Baysah, Jr.
The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has held public hearings in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties on the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) proposed electricity tariff adjustment.
The hearings, held on October 24 and 25, brought together more than 200 participants, including local government officials, civil society representatives, business owners, and LEC customers.LEC representatives Thomas Gonkawon and George H. Tawalah presented the proposed tariff application, outlining the Corporation’s plans to expand access to electricity and improve service delivery across the country.
Mr. Tawalah revealed that LEC aims to increase its customer base by 74 percent during the tariff period, rising from 355,803 customers in 2025 to 619,623 by 2028.
He said the projected growth reflects ongoing grid expansion and improved energy supply.Electricity consumption, he added, is expected to grow significantly from 374 million kWh in 2025 to 953 million kWh in 2028, representing a 154.7 percent increase.
The sharp rise, particularly the 61.4 percent jump expected in 2026, is attributed to network expansion, increased demand, and enhanced generation capacity.
Under the proposed tariff structure, LEC is seeking the following adjustments: Social Tariff: Decrease by 13.3%, Residential Prepaid, No change (0.0%), Residential Postpaid, No change (0.0%), while Non-Residential Prepaid and non-residential postpaid are Increased by 9.1% and Medium Voltage Increase by 5.3%.
LEC, a government-owned utility licensed by LERC under the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia (ELL), is responsible for generating, transmitting, distributing, and importing electricity, as well as serving as the Transmission System Operator (TSO) for the national grid.
According to LERC release, the current tariff application represents a major review of electricity rate levels and structures across all customer categories.
The hearings were presided over by Commissioners Amara M. Kamara and Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey, II, who encouraged open discussions and allowed participants to ask questions and share feedback directly with the LEC team.
According to LERC, the hearings in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount mark part of a broader nationwide consultation process on the proposed tariff.
Similar sessions are expected to be held in Grand Bassa, Margibi, Rivercess, and Montserrado Counties in the coming weeks.
Following the consultations, LERC staff will review all comments and inputs received from stakeholders and submit analyses and recommendations to the Commission.
The Commission will then deliberate and issue a ruling on the application.A final decision on the LEC tariff proposal is expected by December 8, 2025, and, if approved, the new rates will take effect on January 1, 2026.
