ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh County – In a move aimed at making electricity more affordable while improving access to reliable power, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has approved a new three-year electricity tariff for LIBENERGY, reducing the utility’s energy charge by 12 percent and slashing the connection fee for new single-phase customers from US$110 to US$40.
The revised tariff, announced on July 6 in Zwedru City by LERC Board Chairman Claude J. Katta, will take effect on August 1, 2026, and remain in force until July 31, 2029, subject to annual reviews under the Commission’s Multi-Year Tariff Methodology.
The decision follows months of technical evaluations, stakeholder consultations, and public hearings conducted across Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Maryland counties, where LIBENERGY currently provides electricity services.
Under the new tariff structure, customers will now pay US$0.22 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), down from the previous US$0.25 per kWh, representing a 12 percent reduction in the energy charge.
LERC also approved a monthly fixed charge of US$1.50, which the Commission said is intended to finance network reinforcement, improve system reliability, and support investments needed to expand electricity services in the company’s operational areas.
In another major relief for consumers, the Commission reduced the connection fee for new single-phase customers by 64 percent, lowering it from US$110 to US$40.
According to LERC, the remaining US$70 cost of the connection will be recovered through the approved energy tariff over time. The approved connection package includes one electricity meter, up to 25 meters of low-voltage cable, and the required connectors. The Commission also approved a US$330 connection fee for three-phase customers.
Speaking during the announcement, LERC Board Chairman Claude J. Katta described the decision as a major milestone in the country’s electricity sector, saying it reflects the Commission’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with the financial sustainability of electricity service providers.
According to Chairman Katta, the tariff review process was guided by detailed technical analysis and extensive public consultations to ensure that the final decision responds to the needs of both consumers and the utility.
He said the revised tariff is designed to make electricity more affordable for households and businesses while enabling LIBENERGY to strengthen its operations, improve service quality, and expand electricity access across southeastern Liberia.
Despite approving the tariff adjustment, the Commission identified a number of operational deficiencies within LIBENERGY and directed the company to address them without delay.
LERC warned that failure to implement the required corrective measures within the prescribed timeframe could result in regulatory enforcement actions, including sanctions under the Electricity Law.
”The revised tariff must translate into better service, improved network reliability, increased customer connections, and greater accountability to the people of Liberia,” Chairman Katta emphasized.
The Commission disclosed that a comprehensive tariff decision report detailing the technical analysis and regulatory considerations behind the new rates will be published on August 1, 2026.
The decision has been widely welcomed by stakeholders.
Grand Gedeh County Manager Jerry Karr commended the Commission for engaging stakeholders throughout the tariff review process and indicated that LIBENERGY’s senior management would issue a formal response to the Commission’s decision.
Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Lands, Mines, Energy and Environment, Representative Jeremiah Sokan, also praised the tariff reduction, describing it as a consumer-friendly decision that will ease the burden on residents and businesses.
He urged LIBENERGY to ensure that the lower electricity rates are matched by improved service delivery, stronger network reliability, and greater responsiveness to customer concerns.
Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Alex Grant likewise welcomed the Commission’s decision, describing it as a significant step toward improving the lives of ordinary Liberians by making electricity more accessible and affordable.
Residents and members of civil society organizations across Grand Gedeh also applauded the tariff reduction, expressing optimism that the lower electricity costs will be accompanied by more reliable power supply, improved customer service, and expanded access to electricity in the region.
LERC Approves 12% Tariff Reduction for LIBENERGY, Cuts Connection Fee to US$40
