IPNEWS: The Liberian Senate has begun a formal investigation into the possibility of reducing electricity tariffs, following a proposal by Grand Kru County Senator Numene Bartekwa aimed at alleviating the high cost of power for residents and stimulating economic activity nationwide.
The Senate plenary has tasked its joint committees on Ways, Means, Finance & Budget, Public Corporations, and Mines & Energy to engage the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) and the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) on the feasibility of lowering the current electricity tariff to US$0.15 per kilowatt-hour.
Senator Bartekwa, in his communication to the Senate, stressed that Liberia’s current electricity rates remain among the highest in the sub-region. He argued that the burden has pushed major industries and large commercial entities to operate costly private generators rather than rely on power from the national grid.
According to the Grand Kru lawmaker, this shift to alternative power sources poses a dual challenge: government loses millions in potential revenue from electricity sales, while businesses face inflated production costs that hinder job creation and national economic growth.
He further emphasized that reducing the tariff would not only increase consumer access but would also improve competitiveness within the business sector, attract new investment, and enhance productivity across the country.
The Senate’s decision to mandate a detailed review signals growing concern about the economic implications of high electricity costs. The joint committees are expected to report back with recommendations that could shape future national energy pricing policies.
As Liberia continues its push toward reliable and affordable power, the nationwide expectation remains high that concrete actions will follow the Senate’s intervention. By: Andrew B Weah,0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail.com
