The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) recently organized a public hearing to discuss the Liberia Electricity Corporation’s (LEC) proposal for revised electricity tariffs for the period of 2026 to 2028. Held on November 19, 2025, at the Monrovia City Corporation, the hearing attracted a wide array of stakeholders including business representatives, civil society members, and government officials who sought clarity on the proposed changes.
LEC’s tariff adjustments aim to maintain residential rates while increasing charges for non-residential, medium-voltage, and some social sector users, with a notable decrease for social services such as hospitals and schools. Specifically, residential rates would remain unchanged at $0.24 per kilowatt-hour, while non-residential rates would rise from $0.22 to $0.24, a 9% hike.
The corporation defended these adjustments as essential for financial sustainability, stating that the existing tariff structure has hindered infrastructure maintenance and expansion efforts. Furthermore, medium voltage users, including large industrial operations, would see a slight increase from $0.19 to $0.20, reflecting the costs of servicing this customer segment.
During the hearing, stakeholders expressed concerns over the impact of rising rates on competitiveness and the need for transparency in the tariff-setting process. LERC commissioners took note of these concerns, emphasizing their commitment to a thorough review of the proposal while balancing the need for a viable LEC with consumer protection and economic development. Chairman Claude J. Katta assured attendees that feedback from the hearing would be considered before final decisions are communicated officially.