In a vital press conference held at the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) headquarters on Friday, January 10, 2025, Engr. Thomas Z. Gonkerwon, Managing Director of the Corporation, laid an ambitious roadmap for addressing Liberia’s energy challenges.
The event marked the 42nd day since the Interim Management Team assumed leadership, and Gonkerwon underscored the Corporation’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable energy solutions.
Opening the briefing, Gonkerwon emphasized the vital role of the energy sector in Liberia’s development and reaffirmed the Interim Management Team’s dedication to strengthening the Corporation’s operations. “We believe that sustainable energy supply and distribution are cornerstones of national progress,” he said, adding that LEC is committed to aligning its efforts with the government’s broader ARREST Agenda.
The Interim Management Team has comprehensively reviewed the Corporation’s existing systems and practices, identifying three critical operational areas that require immediate attention: governance and financial processes, commercial and technical efficiencies, and energy supply. This review forms the foundation of LEC’s strategic reform initiatives to enhance reliability, efficiency, and service delivery.
Gonkerwon announced the establishment of a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Framework, the first in LEC’s history. This initiative seeks to fortify financial management systems and align the Corporation’s operations with global best practices. The Internal Audit Agency has been engaged to conduct a thorough audit, ensuring transparency and adherence to financial protocols.
On the commercial front, LEC has launched measures to boost revenue generation and curb electricity theft. The Anti-Power Theft (APT) Initiative, implemented in 2022, has significantly reduced commercial losses from 41.3% to 27.5% over two years. Building on this success, the Corporation plans to institutionalize and decentralize APT operations while deploying over 300,000 new meters to minimize illegal connections.
However, the challenges remain daunting. Gonkerwon identified inadequate energy supply, electricity theft, and network capacity constraints as LEC’s three significant hurdles. Rapidly growing demand, driven by grid expansion and population increases, has outpaced available supply. “In 2024, our base load stood at 57MW, with peak load reaching 90MW. These figures have surged to 86MW and 107MW, respectively,” Gonkerwon revealed.
To address these challenges, LEC has prioritized infrastructure upgrades. Plans are underway to enhance transmission lines, upgrade key substations, and address distribution network redundancies. These efforts, Gonkerwon noted, are critical to meeting Liberia’s growing energy needs and ensuring reliable service.
The dry season, traditionally a challenging period for local energy generation, is a key focus of LEC’s preparedness strategy. With reduced water levels at the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, the Corporation has bolstered its capacity through a diversified portfolio, including thermal and imported energy sources. The recently finalized Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Cote d’Ivoire Energies secures 50MW of energy supply, with provisions for an additional 20MW to meet unforeseen demands.
Gonkerwon also addressed concerns regarding electricity tariffs. A revised proposal to balance operational costs with consumer affordability will soon be submitted to the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission for approval. “We are committed to ensuring that tariff adjustments are fair, transparent, and in the public’s best interest,” he assured.
Despite recent successes, the Corporation faces persistent challenges. Technical issues with energy partners in Cote d’Ivoire have caused temporary outages, and LEC is working to minimize the impact on consumers. Gonkerwon acknowledged these disruptions but emphasized the Corporation’s resolve to keep the public informed and to prioritize reliable service delivery.
The press conference also highlighted the Corporation’s efforts to enhance customer service. A new load management strategy aims to limit outages to no more than eight hours at a time, with timely communication to foster trust and transparency. Enhanced customer support services have been introduced to address technical issues more efficiently.
Reflecting on the progress made, Gonkerwon expressed optimism about LEC’s trajectory. “We have laid the groundwork for significant reforms that will not only stabilize the Corporation but also position it as a driver of economic growth,” he stated. He called on stakeholders, including the government and international partners, to support LEC’s initiatives, emphasizing that sustainable energy solutions require collaborative efforts.
As Liberia continues its journey toward energy independence, Gonkerwon reaffirmed the Interim Management Team’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and delivering reliable electricity to all Liberians. “Our mission is clear: to transform LEC into a model of operational excellence and to ensure that every household, business, and community has access to the power they need to thrive,” he concluded.
