NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Board of Commissioners (BoC) of the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has approved the issuance of provisional licenses for electrical contractors and electricians as part of efforts to enhance safety, professionalism, and regulatory compliance within Liberia’s electricity sector.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
According to LERC, the move is intended to ensure that electrical works across the country are carried out within a structured and regulated framework while the Commission finalizes a comprehensive licensing system.
“This decision reflects the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that electrical works across the country are carried out safely, professionally, and within a regulated framework, even as we finalize the full licensing system,” said LERC Chairman Hon. Claude J. Katta. “The provisional licensing regime provides a practical pathway for contractors to remain compliant while we strengthen our institutional processes.”
LERC explained that the decision is grounded in the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia, which mandates the Commission to regulate and oversee the electricity sector, as well as the Certification and Licensing of Electrical Professionals and Contractors Regulations (CLEPCR), 2023. The regulations require all electrical professionals and contractors to be duly licensed before undertaking any electrical work.
However, the Commission noted that since the regulations came into force, it has not yet fully operationalized all procedures required for the issuance of standard licenses to electrical contractors.
As a result, the provisional licensing system has been introduced to ensure continuity of services while maintaining regulatory oversight and safety standards in the sector.
Under the arrangement, provisional licenses will be issued to all categories of electrical contractors as defined under the CLEPCR.
The licenses will be valid for a period not exceeding one year, ending April 6, 2027. They will also be subject to financial and operational requirements outlined in the CLEPCR and other applicable regulations.
LERC emphasized that the interim measure is critical to sustaining standards in the electricity sector while final systems and procedures for full licensing are being completed.
Meanwhile, contractors currently operating under certification from the Ministry of Public Works are being encouraged to transition into the provisional licensing framework within the stipulated period.
