MONROVIA, LIBERIA — In a press conference held Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Goano, provided insights into the regulatory landscape of Liberia’s electricity sector, following significant legislative developments.
Goano outlined the historical context, dating back to October 23, 2015, when the National Legislature passed an amendment to Chapter 85 of the 1973 Public Authority Law, leading to the establishment of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and the 2015 University Law of Liberia. This legislation, which was disseminated in a handbill on October 26, 2015, redefined the role of the LEC as a service provider and operator within the electricity market.
“The 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia positions the LEC as a service provider and establishes the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) as the regulatory body,” Goano noted. He emphasized that this amendment marked a significant shift towards breaking the long-standing tradition of self-regulation in the sector. The commission is aimed at fostering a conducive and competitive environment essential for the sector’s sustainability.
Goano elaborated on the responsibilities entrusted to the LERC, which include licensing operators in the electricity sector, approving tariffs and pricing for electricity services, establishing and monitoring technical standards, and resolving disputes between service providers and consumers, as well as among operators.
Despite the progress made, Goano acknowledged that the LERC’s regulatory journey has not been without obstacles. “The regulatory work has faced numerous challenges; however, the Commission has successfully licensed five electricity operators to date, which includes four licenses and one permit,” he reported.
Additionally, he highlighted that the Commission has developed and published 17 regulatory frameworks and instruments aimed at enhancing regulation within Liberia’s electricity sector. “These efforts are pivotal as the country moves towards improved electricity distribution and service provision for its citizens,” He noted.
Goano’s address underscores the LERC’s commitment to ensuring effective regulation and sustainability in Liberia’s electricity sector, reflecting a proactive approach towards addressing the power needs of the nation.
Additionally, Goano emphasized its active participation in regional and continental electricity regulatory efforts, particularly through collaborations with organizations such as the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), based in Accra, Ghana, and the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFU). LERC holds memberships in various ECOWAS committees, including the Consulting Committee of Regulators and Operators and the Legal and Licensing Working Group, where its legal team serves as co-chairs. According to him, the Commission is also involved in a Pricing Committee that focuses on regional pricing strategies.
Moreover, the LERC boss added that the commission is focused on sustainable energy initiatives in collaboration with the African Union. According to him, the commission is advancing projects related to embedded generation and net metering, enabling consumers with solar or other alternative power sources to supply excess energy back to the grid through dedicated bi-directional meters.
Over the past six months, Goano revealed that LERC has made notable strides, including the approval of new electricity targets for Jungle Energy Power in Bong and Nimba counties, reducing the tariff from 25 to 22. He said the Commission is also developing an energy city in Gbapolu County, featuring a hybrid of solar and diesel power sources. This multi-year target approach, Goano noted, is consistent with the Commission’s regulatory framework.
He said the LERC plans to soon commence tariff review processes for the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and various energy projects in southeastern Liberia, specifically in Grand Gedeh, Maryland, and River Gee counties. “Due to frequent administrative changes, the Commission has opted for a flexible timeline to accommodate these developments,” he added.
Moreover, he said, the LERC has also modernized its operations by upgrading its website and introducing online certification for electricians and electrical contractors. This initiative, according to him, aims to better regulate and evaluate electrical professionals in Liberia, filling a significant gap in the sector’s training and standards. “These efforts demonstrate LERC’s commitment to enhancing the electricity sector’s governance, sustainability, and professionalism in Liberia,” the LERC boss concluded.
