Liberia’s energy sector has been thrown into uncertainty and disruption as Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Électricité (CIE), Ivory Coast’s primary exporter of electric power, has drastically reduced power export to Liberia by 85 percent, citing production constraints and critical maintenance work.
The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) confirmed that CIE has cut its supply from 50 megawatts (MW) to just 7.5MW, leaving the country with a severe energy deficit.
The abrupt reduction is expected to cause widespread disruptions, particularly in Monrovia and surrounding areas, where power shortages are already a persistent challenge.
LEC officials warned that the situation will lead to prolonged outages, affecting businesses, households, and essential services. The corporation has activated its thermal power plants to mitigate the impact, but the measure is proving costly and unsustainable, given the high price of fuel-based generation. At the same time, the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, which could have provided additional relief, is struggling with low water levels, further limiting its ability to generate electricity.
“The situation is beyond our control,” LEC said publicly, assuring consumers that negotiations are ongoing with CIE to find a resolution. However, with no clear timeline for the restoration of full capacity, Liberians are bracing for an extended period of unreliable power supply.
The crisis comes when Liberia struggles with infrastructural challenges and economic hardship. Many businesses, particularly those reliant on stable electricity, are expected to face increased costs as they turn to private generators to keep operations running. Households are also preparing for extended blackouts, adding further strain to daily life.
