Maryland, Liberia:- The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has recently engaged with residents of Maryland County to tackle persistent electricity issues affecting the region.
During the meeting, Mr. Abu Dekonte Sanson, Director of Technical Services at LERC, addressed numerous complaints filed by lawmakers and residents concerning the high cost of meters sold by LIBENERGY, the local electricity service provider.
In an interview, Mr. Sanson outlined LERC’s objectives, including resolving longstanding disputes over meter sales and enhancing transparency and communication between the commission and the public. He emphasized that LIBENERGY’s agreement with the Liberian government involves raising awareness of their services, ensuring fair service provision, extending electricity to new communities, procuring materials, supplying transformers, connectors, and wires for new areas, and improving customer access and service expansion.
Despite these goals, concerns have arisen about LIBENERGY’s ability to fulfill its obligations effectively.
LIBENERGY, which holds a five-year license to operate in Maryland, River Gee, and parts of Nimba, has faced criticism for its infrastructure management and service delivery.
The meeting on August 31, 2024, brought together local government officials, marketers, religious leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities, and other stakeholders.
Pleebo Sodoken District Statutory Superintendent Mr. Aloysius Williams expressed concerns about the removal of meters installed by the African Development Bank under the ALPHA TND project. He pointed out that these meters initially intended to be free, are now being sold at USD 130 each—a practice he believes is unfair and inconsistent with other regions in Liberia.
Mr. Williams also highlighted that the meters removed by LIBENERGY are the same ones now being sold, placing an additional financial burden on residents. He called for a review of the situation and a reinstatement of the original agreement’s terms.
In response to the high costs, Pleebo City Mayor Larry G. Geekor, representing the Concerned Current Users Committee, criticized the $0.25 per kilowatt-hour fee as excessive and unaffordable for many residents.
Additionally, Mr. Karton Negba, chair of the committee, outlined over 30 issues that need to be addressed by LIBENERGY to resolve ongoing dissatisfaction with electricity services.
The engagement between LERC and Maryland County residents highlights the ongoing challenges in providing equitable and affordable electricity services and underscores the need for continued dialogue and reform in the sector.
Credit: Moses J. Dawoe
