By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Gbarpolu County — The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has approved a new electricity tariff of US$0.45 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for customers served by ENERGICITY in Gbarpolu County.
The new tariff, which becomes effective June 16, 2025, will remain in force until June 15, 2028, and includes fixed monthly charges and a connection fee for new customers.
Under the approved structure, residential customers will pay a US$1.00 fixed monthly charge, while commercial users will be charged US$1.50 per month. Additionally, a US$12.00 connection fee will be required for new customers seeking access to the ENERGICITY network.
The decision follows extensive public consultations in Gbarma, Bopolu, and Henry’s Town, and a detailed review of ENERGICITY’s initial proposal. The company had originally requested a higher tariff of US$0.62/kWh and monthly fixed charges of US$2.00, but LERC opted for lower rates to ensure affordability while enabling cost recovery.
Announcing the tariff at a ceremony held at Bopolu City Hall, LERC’s Acting Chairman, Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey, II, explained that the rates were determined based on Section 53 of the Micro-Utility Licensing Regulation (MULR).
This regulation requires tariffs for large and medium micro-utility licensees to reflect their business plans and align with the Tariff Regulations (TR).
“In deriving the end-user tariffs that we are announcing today, we considered the revenue requirement for ENERGICITY’s efficient operations, projected customer growth, energy demand, and capital and operating costs,” said Atty. Toomey.
He also noted that a minor tariff review would take place once all communities within the licensed area are connected to the grid.
The announcement was welcomed by local authorities and residents. Mr. James Kpoto Scott, Acting Superintendent for Gbarpolu County, praised the move, saying, “Electricity has already improved security and encouraged more residents to connect to the grid. It is a means for business opportunities to earn income.”
Howard P. Bonqay, Gbarpolu County’s Financial Officer, commended the transparency of the tariff-setting process and urged the Commission to engage in public education. “At this initial stage, the tariff is affordable, and we hope costs decrease as more customers join the grid,” he added.
Engineer Richard Arthur, speaking on behalf of ENERGICITY, noted that the company has been providing electricity to customers for over eight months without charge. He welcomed the tariff approval as a necessary step for sustainable operations and future expansion.
