LERC Hosts Public Hearing on Revised Electricity Tariff Proposal

The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) held a highly attended one-day public session to examine the Liberia Electricity Corpor...

The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) held a highly attended one-day public session to examine the Liberia Electricity Corporation's (LEC) proposal for an updated electricity rate for the upcoming three years (2026-2028).

The suggested changes, if accepted, will keep residential rates for the public (homes) the same, but will result in higher charges for non-residential, medium-voltage, and social users, while at the same time reducing the rate for the social category.

The session, conducted yesterday, November 19, 2025, at the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), featured involvement from a wide array of participants, such as representatives from different businesses, industrial fields, civil society groups, government personnel, and students, to name a few.

The environment was filled with tension and worry as participants looked for understanding regarding the suggested modifications and their possible effects on their specific industries.

LEC authorities, in their presentation, outlined the reasoning for the tariff change, highlighting the importance of financial viability and enhanced operational effectiveness.

The company mentioned that the existing pricing system, which has been active from January 2022 to 2025, has put pressure on its resources and limited its capacity to upkeep and grow its power infrastructure over the last four years.

The main elements of the proposal cover Residential Charges (Houses), Non-Residential (Companies, retail outlets, etc.), Medium Voltage Consumers (Major industrial entities), and the Community Sector.

According to its analysis, LEC suggested keeping residential rates constant at 0.24 for the next three years, a move aimed at shielding families from further financial pressure, particularly considering the present economic situation.

The LEC also mentioned that Non-Residential users, including businesses, commercial entities, and other non-residential consumers, will experience a proposed rise in their electricity rates, moving from 0.22 to 0.24, which is an increase of 0.02, leading to a 9% adjustment.

The LEC administration stated that these users use considerably more electricity and thus should bear a larger share of the expenses related to producing, delivering, and distributing power over the next three years.

As per the LEC, they are suggesting a reduction in the tariff imposed on the Social Sector, which includes entities such as hospitals, schools, and orphanages, from 0.15 to 0.13, a drop of -0.02, leading to a reduction of -13%.

This action further validated the LEC's commitment to backing these essential public services and reducing some of their financial burdens, guaranteeing cost-effective and stable electricity for the upcoming three years.

The LEC also stated that Medium Voltage Users, such as major industrial customers linked to the medium voltage network, will face a rise in their charges from 0.19 to 0.20, which is an increase of 0.01, amounting to a 5% overall rise.

This modification, according to LEC, aims to account for the increased expenses related to serving this portion of the client base, as it is anticipated to remain in effect for the next three years following approval from LERC.

At the same time, during the entire hearing, participants had the chance to express their views, highlight issues, pose essential questions, and obtain explanations regarding the LEC's plan.

Business representatives voiced worries regarding the effect of higher non-residential rates on their ability to compete and maintain profits, while some cast doubt on the LEC's cost estimates.

Other attendees additionally highlighted the importance of openness and responsibility in determining tariffs and supported measures to shield disadvantaged customers.

The members of the LERC, during the session, paid close attention to the different viewpoints and recorded thorough notes regarding the issues and suggestions shared.

They emphasized their dedication to carrying out a comprehensive examination of the LEC's request, taking into account all relevant aspects and making sure that the ultimate decision aligns with the greatest good of Liberia and its people.

The head of the Board of Commissioners of the LERC, Claude J. Katta, stated that the LERC is aware of the delicacy of electricity rates and their substantial effect on the economy and the daily lives of the public.

He subsequently committed the LERC to a transparent and fair procedure that reconciles the requirement for a financially sustainable LEC with the necessity of safeguarding consumers and encouraging economic growth.

Chairman Katta subsequently pledged to review all input and information shared during the session prior to reaching a final decision, which will be conveyed via official means.

Copyright 2025 The New Dawn. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1)

Tagged: Liberia, Energy, West Africa, Economy, Business and Finance

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).