LERC Amends LEC Distribution License, Expands Service to Three Counties
The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has officially amended the Distribution License of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), authorizing the utility to extend its grid and services into new communities across portions of Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Bong counties.
The amended license, formally presented on November 25, 2025, represents a key milestone in the national drive to broaden access to reliable and affordable electricity throughout Liberia.
During the handover ceremony, LERC Board of Commissioners Chairman Hon. Claude J. Katta praised the collaborative effort that made the amendment possible and urged LEC to deliver tangible benefits to the newly included areas.
“This has been a substantial undertaking, and I particularly commend our Legal, Licensing, and Public Affairs team for their thorough work,” Chairman Katta stated. “We expect LEC to swiftly bring power to these communities so that citizens can experience real improvements in their daily lives.”
Accepting the document on behalf of LEC, Senior Customer Service Manager Mr. Varmu A. Reeves expressed appreciation to LERC and conveyed regrets from Managing Director Hon. Mohammed Sheriff, who was unable to attend. Mr. Reeves emphasized that the license expansion directly supports LEC’s recently launched five-year strategic plan, which prioritizes customer-focused service.
“This amendment equips us to better meet the needs of Liberians,” he said. “Electricity remains one of the biggest obstacles to development in our country, and we are fully committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable power.”
Commissioner Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey II welcomed the geographic expansion but used the occasion to highlight the need for stronger operational performance. While reaffirming the Commission’s support for LEC’s growth objectives, he stressed that increased coverage must be accompanied by faster and more effective customer service.
“We are genuinely excited about reaching more communities in line with the national goal of universal access,” Commissioner Toomey noted. “At the same time, persistent complaints about slow response times—sometimes two to three weeks for a single technician to address faults—raise legitimate concerns as you take on additional territory.”
He reminded LEC that the amended license carries clear obligations and conditions, adding, “Expansion without corresponding improvements in efficiency and responsiveness would be counterproductive. We challenge you to meet these commitments.”
The amendment reinforces LERC’s core regulatory mandate to foster a robust, accessible, and well-managed electricity sector that supports Liberia’s broader socio-economic development.
