In a strategic move to boost public understanding and awareness of the electricity sector’s regulatory framework, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) hosted a comprehensive media engagement and workshop on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Sinkor, Monrovia.
The event, attended by over 20 media professionals, including reporters, editors, and media owners, served as a platform to deepen their knowledge of the Commission’s role, functions, and the broader scope of its operations.
The daylong workshop was designed to be highly interactive, with LERC officials engaging directly with the media to explain the intricacies of electricity licensing regulations, economic regulations, and technical regulations.
The discussions also covered the regulatory database management system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency and efficiency within the electricity sector.
Additionally, the participants were given an in-depth review of the Commission’s resources, including its website and other informational materials, to enhance their reporting capabilities.
The primary objective of the workshop was to equip media practitioners with the necessary tools and knowledge to accurately inform the public about LERC’s operations. By doing so, LERC aims to foster a more informed public, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of electricity regulation in Liberia.
During the forum, Dr. Lawrence D. Sekajibo, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at LERC, emphasized the importance of the Commission’s role in regulating both the price and quality of electricity services in Liberia.
He highlighted that before LERC’s intervention, the electricity sector was dominated by monopolistic practices, which had severe economic repercussions for Liberians.
“Poor policy implementation and the lack of a liberalized market structure have long been issues plaguing the electricity sector. We are committed to addressing these challenges through the robust implementation of regulatory instruments,” Dr. Sekajibo asserted. He also stressed the importance of ensuring gender participation within the sector, noting that inclusivity is a key component of the Commission’s regulatory strategy.
One of the critical points raised during the workshop was the need for increased investment in the electricity sector. Dr. Sekajibo encouraged journalists to focus on the regulatory framework and ongoing reforms in their reporting, as this could help attract much-needed investment. “The media plays an indispensable role in conveying our messages to the public, and by doing so, they can help attract investors who are critical to the sector’s growth,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the Commission’s funding, LERC clarified that its budget is primarily supported by levies collected from businesses within the electricity sector, rather than direct funding from the Government of Liberia. This funding model is designed to ensure the Commission’s independence and ability to carry out its regulatory duties without external influence.
LERC’s overarching goal is to achieve economic competitiveness within the electricity sector. To this end, the Commission is focused on analyzing cost structures, assessing impacts, and targeting improvements that can enhance the overall performance of the electricity supply industry in Liberia.
In his closing remarks, Commissioner Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey expressed gratitude to the participants for their engagement and reaffirmed LERC’s commitment to working closely with the media to raise public awareness. “LERC is one of the newest regulatory bodies in Liberia, and we recognize the need for robust action and continuous engagement with the public. This workshop is just the beginning of our efforts to increase visibility and understanding of our role,” Atty. Toomey stated.
He further noted that LERC’s mission is to solidify its presence in communities and ensure that the public is well-informed about its operations. “We see the media as an indispensable partner in this effort. Through their reporting, our people can gain valuable insights into what LERC is doing to regulate and improve the electricity sector in Liberia,” he added.
As LERC continues to advance its public awareness campaign, the partnership with the media is expected to play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of the electricity sector. The Commission’s efforts to engage with the media and the public are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all Liberians have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity services.
This workshop marks a significant step forward in LERC’s ongoing mission to create a transparent, competitive, and inclusive electricity market in Liberia. With continued collaboration between LERC and the media, the Commission is well-positioned to achieve its goals and contribute to the overall development of the country’s electricity sector.
