By: Emmanuel M. Karnga
Bopolu, Gbarpolu County— ENERGICITY Liberia, a solar mini-grid operator, has officially submitted a new tariff proposal for its operations in Gbarpolu County.
The submission was made during a series of public hearings organized by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) from April 23 to April 24, 2025, to discuss potential changes to the energy tariffs for residents.
Hon. Claude J. Katta, Chairman of the LERC Board of Commissioners, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the Commission would not approve the proposed tariff changes until ENERGICITY provided sufficient justification to its customers, stakeholders, and the Commission itself.
“As required by the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia, the Electricity Tariff Regulations, and the Administrative Procedure Regulation, the Commission will carefully review all aspects of the proposed changes before making a final decision,” said Chairman Katta.
Ms. Kumba Kasse-Gborie, ENERGICITY’s Customer Operations Manager, presented the company’s operational plans across 10 communities in Gbarpolu County.
The communities, located in both Bopolu and Gbarma Districts, include Bopolu, Totoquelleh, Farwhenta, Henry’s Town, Gbarma, Zuo, Yargayah, Tarpoima, Smith Camp, and Weasua.
According to Ms. Gborie, ENERGICITY plans to electrify 3,597 households, with 84% of customers being residential, and the remaining 13% consisting of commercial, public, and productive users, such as schools, clinics, and businesses.
The proposed tariff structure presented by ENERGICITY includes a connection fee of US$12 (covering meter installation and setup), a monthly service fee of US$2.05 for maintenance and local operations, and an energy usage charge of US$0.45 per kWh, under a “Pay-as-you-go” model. Clinics using up to 3 kWh daily would be charged a reduced rate of $0.10 per kWh, with a US$3 service fee for maintenance.
Usage above 3 kWh daily would be billed at the standard community tariff.
“We build, own, and operate solar-powered mini-grids to deliver affordable, reliable, and scalable electricity to off-grid communities in Benin, Sierra Leone, and Liberia,” Ms. Gborie explained. “Our mission is to empower communities by providing clean, safe, and dependable electricity, fostering long-term growth.”
Despite ENERGICITY’s efforts to introduce affordable and sustainable energy, the proposed tariffs raised concerns among several stakeholders and customers.
Many questioned the affordability of the rates, especially given the economic challenges in the county. Stakeholders urged the LERC to consider reducing the tariffs to ensure accessibility for all residents.
In response, Chairman Katta reassured the public that the Commission would carefully review all comments from stakeholders and conduct a thorough analysis before making any final decisions.
“We will take into account the feedback received and ensure that the final tariff structure is fair and sustainable for all parties involved,” he said.
The LERC is scheduled to announce its final decision on May 2, 2025, with the new tariff set to take effect on May 10, 2025.
The public hearings were attended by key stakeholders, including Deputy Minister Charles Umehai from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), Steven Payma, Business Development Consultant at the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), representatives from the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), civil society organizations, and members of the county’s legislative caucus.
Local government officials, customers, and other concerned stakeholders were also present.
As the decision looms, both ENERGICITY and the people of Gbarpolu County await the Commission’s ruling, which will shape the future of solar energy in the region.
