LERC Commends LEC’s Dry-Season Preparedness, Inspects Solar and Thermal Facilities
Crispin Tulay
Dear Colleagues,
The members of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) recently toured Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) facilities.
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LERC Commends LEC’s Dry-Season Preparedness, Inspects Solar and Thermal Facilities
The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners (BoC) of the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC), Hon. Claude J. Katta, says he is impressed with the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) level of preparedness as the country approaches the dry season. He made the remarks on November 26, during an inspection tour of LEC’s Bushrod Power Plant and the 20 MWp Solar PV Project under construction at Mount Coffee.
“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.”
Chairman Katta noted that despite the challenges facing the
sector, the Commission is impressed with ongoing efforts to improve supply
reliability.
“One of our responsibilities is to ensure that Liberians receive safe,
reliable, and affordable electricity. As far as we are concerned, LEC is doing
its best to provide electricity to our people,” he stressed.
He also commended LEC’s continuing expansion across the
country. Just days earlier, LERC issued an amended Distribution License
allowing LEC to operate in parts 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 added.
LEC Managing Director Mr. Mohammed M. Sherif briefed the Commissioners on administrative and operational measures being taken to strengthen service delivery. He noted that the Corporation is working closely with the regulator to ensure uninterrupted supply during the dry season.
Speaking to journalists during the tour, Mr. Thomas Gonkawon,
Deputy Managing Director for Operations, who accompanied the Commissioners,
reaffirmed LEC’s readiness.
“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 highlighted the significance of phase one of the 20 MW solar plant project, explaining that daytime generation from the solar facility will allow LEC to shut down the hydro plant during the day to conserve water for nighttime operation.
“The 20 MW injected into the network during the day is highly commendable,” he noted.
He further explained that LEC will bring all thermal plants to full operation and supplement domestic generation with imported power to meet demand. The solar plant is expected to begin commissioning in January 2026, with 5 to 8 MW expected on the grid by February, gradually ramping up to full capacity.
As part of LEC’s digital transformation agenda, Mr. Gonkawon announced that the Corporation will roll out smart metering in 2026 as part of its strategy to reduce losses and curb electricity theft.
“The smart meters will provide detailed system parameters to help us identify theft locations quickly,” he said.
He also reaffirmed LEC’s commitment to supporting national development priorities, including the ARREST Agenda, AAID, and Mission 300, which aims to increase electricity access nationwide from 37% to 75% by 2030.
The BoC delegation included Commissioners Amara M. Kamara, Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey II, and the Director for Technical Regulations, Engineer Abu Dekontee Sanso.
Caption: LEC Managing Director Mr. Sherif lead the BoC on the tour of the Bushrod Thermal Plant