Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has renewed Jungle Energy Power (JEP)’s Large Micro Utility Distribution License, but the regulatory approval comes with renewed demands for stronger infrastructure, safer operations, improved customer service and more reliable electricity delivery across Nimba County.
The license renewal authorizes JEP to continue distributing electricity in Nimba, while placing renewed emphasis on the company’s responsibility to meet regulatory requirements and respond to growing concerns from consumers over service reliability, affordability, metering, safety and network expansion.
The renewal ceremony brought together government officials, energy-sector regulators, local authorities, community representatives, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, including members of the LERC Board of Commissioners, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
Presenting the renewed license, Amara M. Kamara, Acting Chairman of the LERC Board of Commissioners, made clear that the authorization represents more than permission for JEP to continue operating.
He challenged the company to translate the renewed mandate into tangible improvements for electricity consumers across Nimba, particularly through increased investment in infrastructure, system maintenance, safety, metering, customer service and overall network reliability.
Kamara said Nimba residents have legitimate expectations regarding the quality, reliability, affordability and responsiveness of electricity services, adding that LERC would continue monitoring the relationship between service providers and consumers.
“LERC will continue to engage consumers and service providers to ensure that these concerns are appropriately addressed within the regulatory framework,” Kamara said.
He referenced the Commission’s recent engagement with the Citizens United for Free and Fair Electricity Services (CUFFIES) as part of efforts to better understand and address consumer concerns within the electricity sector.
Kamara urged JEP to treat the license renewal as a renewed commitment to the people of Nimba rather than merely a regulatory authorization.
He also encouraged the company to expand electricity access to underserved communities and strengthen the quality and reliability of services throughout the county.
Electricity Seen as Driver of Development
Charles Umehai, Deputy Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said electricity access is central to Liberia’s broader development ambitions, noting its direct connection to education, healthcare, employment, businesses and economic growth.
“Access to electricity is not simply about powering homes and businesses; it is about creating opportunities, supporting education, improving healthcare services, and stimulating economic growth,” Umehai said.
He reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to ensuring that communities across the country are not left behind in the national electrification effort.
According to Umehai, the renewal of JEP’s license demonstrates confidence in the company’s continued role in providing electricity services to Nimba County, but also underscores the need for sustained compliance with regulatory standards and improvements in operational performance.
He stressed the importance of service delivery, operational efficiency, customer care and regulatory compliance as essential components of a functional electricity distribution system.
JEP Promises Investment, Better Service
Speaking for JEP Management, General Manager Aleyou Keita welcomed the license renewal and described it as a renewed obligation to meet the expectations of customers, government authorities and other stakeholders.
Keita said the company would focus on improving service delivery, expanding its infrastructure, strengthening safety standards, improving metering systems and continuing investments in the electricity distribution network across Nimba County.
He said JEP remains committed to working with regulators, consumers, local authorities and communities to improve the delivery of electricity services.
JEP Management expressed appreciation to LERC, the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, LEC, local authorities, community leaders, customers and other stakeholders for their support and engagement throughout the licensing process.
Stakeholders Demand Greater Accountability
Despite welcoming the renewal, stakeholders used the occasion to press JEP for stronger operational performance and measurable improvements in the services being provided to consumers.
A major concern raised was the safety and maintenance of JEP’s electricity network, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for properly maintained infrastructure to reduce electricity-related risks and protect consumers, workers, communities and public property.
Stakeholders also called for sustained dialogue among JEP, consumers, local authorities and LERC, particularly on issues involving power reliability, customer relations, metering, affordability and expansion of electricity services to communities that remain underserved.
The renewal therefore places JEP under renewed expectations to demonstrate that continued authorization to operate will translate into improved service for consumers.
For Nimba residents, the central issue now moves beyond the renewal of a license to whether the company can deliver a safer, more reliable and more accessible electricity system capable of supporting the county’s growing economic and social needs.
