LEC Promises Stable Electricity -Vows To End Load Shedding, Fight Power Theft

By Grace Bryant Mollay
The Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) Mohammed Sheriff has unveiled sweeping plans to transform the country’s power sector, promising significant relief from load shedding, a crackdown on electricity theft, and a bold move toward regional energy partnerships.
In a recent interview, the LEC boss revealed that the Corporation is currently undergoing a comprehensive assessment of its operations spanning generation, transmission, distribution, and commercial services—with the aim of identifying and resolving critical bottlenecks in the supply chain.
“One of the main issues we’ve identified so far is the challenge of load shedding. Some communities get power for just five to ten hours a day. Our goal is to drastically reduce that if not eliminate it completely, then bring it to the barest minimum,” he said.
According to him, LEC is taking urgent steps to leverage regional energy sources, adding that the Corporation is in the final stages of securing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Guinea to import electricity—a move the LEC chief believes will significantly reduce the need for costly diesel generators, particularly in remote areas.
“We haven‘t started receiving power from Guinea yet. but I’m expected to sign the PPA this weekend or early next week. Once that happens, we‘ll shut down Bushrod generators and save on fuel costs. It’s a strategic move in our national interest,” he said.
He furthered that the arrival of the rainy season is also a hopeful sign for Liberia’s energy production saying, “The Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, which has a maximum capacity of 66 megawatts, is currently producing far below its potential due to seasonal constraints. With increased rainfall, output is expected to rise, helping to meet the country’s energy demand currently estimated at 100 megawatts.”
“We will be blessed if the rain stays. Right now, we’re only producing 18 to 36 megawatts from Mount Coffee. That’s why we have to supplement with imported power from Côte d’Ivoire, and soon, from Guinea,” the LEC boss said.
On another issue of power theft, the LEC boss said the Corporation has already mobilized an anti-power theft task force and is working to institutionalize enforcement measures. Central Monrovia and other high-density areas are key targets in the fight against illegal connections.
“One of the main problems has been the lack of available meters,” he said. “People were connecting illegally when they couldn’t get official connections. We’re now making meters available to everyone and developing systems to detect illegal usage.”
According to the LEC boss, once connected, customers’ usage will be monitored closely, and those found to be bypassing meters will face swift action.
He disclosed that under a 90-day action plan, the Corporation is crafting a strategic roadmap that will guide long-term reforms in the power sector. The strategy is expected to be presented by the end of June.
Meanwhile, political support for the LEC boss is growing. Senator Abraham Darius Dillon recently took to his official Facebook page to endorse his continued leadership, praising his efforts and expressing hope that he remains at the helm.
When asked about the endorsement, the Acting Managing Director remained focused, “What we’re committed to is delivering electricity to our people. If the rain comes and we can produce more, that’s fantastic. Our job is to keep the lights on. But we’re also planning, building partnerships, and taking real action to change how power works in Liberia.”