In a pivotal step toward enhancing safety, professionalism, and accountability in Liberia’s power industry, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) officially launched a Certification and Licensing Portalfor electrical professionals and contractors on May 30.
The unveiling ceremony, held at a local hotel in Monrovia, concluded a two-day workshop and was presided over by Hon. Claude J. Katta, Chairman of the LERC Board of Commissioners. This digital platform is designed to implement the 2023 Certification and Licensing Regulations, which outline national standards for certifying and licensing electrical practitioners.
“This marks a turning point in Liberia’s energy landscape,” declared Chairman Katta. “The regulations—and now this portal—ensure that everyone working in the electrical field, from installation to inspection, is held to high, uniform qualification standards.”
The Commission’s initiative is seen as part of a broader effort to align Liberia’s regulatory framework with international safety and operational benchmarks. According to Katta, the level of licensure will correspond with the complexity of the electrical systems involved, with more sophisticated projects requiring highly qualified engineers or technicians.
To promote transparency and safeguard consumers, licensed professionals will receive official ID cards issued by the Commission. Additionally, a national online directory of certified workers is in development, allowing the public to verify credentials before hiring electricians.
“This is not optional,” Katta warned. “Every electrical contractor and technician must register through this portal. It’s a legal requirement now.”
He further called on key government institutions and industry stakeholders—including the Ministries of Education, Youth and Sports, Mines and Energy, as well as technical training centers—to fully support the rollout of the initiative.
“We need collective commitment to ensure that our electrical infrastructure grows in a safe, standardized, and sustainable way,” Katta emphasized, also expressing gratitude to President Joseph N. Boakai for his continued support of the Commission’s efforts.
“This is more than an online platform—it’s a strategic tool for national development,” he concluded. “By regulating the industry, we are also protecting lives and securing a more stable energy future.”
Also speaking at the event was Monyan K. Flomo, Technical Assistant and Assistant Director at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), representing Deputy Minister Charles Umehai, who chairs the Commission’s Interview Panel overseeing the certification process. Flomo affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to upholding rigorous standards and stressed the broader benefits of the initiative.
“This system is built to protect the public, ensure adherence to best practices, and nurture a reliable and forward-looking electricity sector,” Flomo stated. “It is about recognizing excellence and empowering skilled professionals to contribute to Liberia’s development.”
The launch ceremony brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including senior officials from relevant ministries, heads of TVET institutions, and service providers, marking a collective endorsement of the LERC’s regulatory direction.
With the Certification and Licensing Portal now live, electrical professionals across Liberia are expected to begin the registration process immediately, ushering in a new era of safety, reliability, and professionalism in the country’s energy industry.
