LEC Goes Defensive

By Stephanie Duncan

MONROVIA–The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) is on the defense in light of growing concerns amongst Liberians concerning the current unwarranted power outages being experienced.

Residents of Monrovia and its environs are grappling with the old electricity brouhaha – as the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) appears to be struggling with steady power supply.

The current wave of power unsteadiness has sparked displeasure amongst citizens, especially those connected to national grid, with suggestions that that Monrovia seems to be back to the old electricity headache often experienced during dry season when water level decreases at the Mount Coffee Hydro, making it difficult to generate enough power to supply the city at once.

The last few months saw LEC on top of its game, constantly supplying power almost at once across the country, but the situation seems to be a bit different as residents experiencing frequent power outages, sometimes for whole day of night.

However, LEC management has moved to set the records straight, saying it never promised Liberians a fully stable or risk-free electricity supply, amid growing public concern over recent power interruptions in parts of the country.

In a press statement issued Monday, LEC said claims suggesting the corporation assured the public that Liberia’s electricity challenges were solved are false and misleading. Management emphasized that while electricity availability has improved over the past nine months—representing the longest stretch of relative stability in decades—the power sector remains vulnerable due to Liberia’s heavy reliance on imported electricity.

LEC explained that the recent period of improved supply was not simply the result of the rainy season, as suggested in some public commentary. Liberia experiences both rainy and dry seasons for roughly six months each, and rainfall alone cannot account for nine consecutive months of improved electricity availability.

According to the corporation, hydropower from the Mt. Coffee Hydropower Plant, which currently produces about 57 megawatts (MW), has played a supportive role but is not sufficient to meet national demand. When combined with approximately 12 MW from thermal generation, total domestic production stands at about 69 MW.

Current national electricity demand is estimated at approximately 130 MW, up from 94 MW when the present LEC management assumed responsibility. This leaves a supply deficit of about 61 MW, which has been covered through imports from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.

LEC attributed the ongoing power outages to scheduled maintenance works on power generation facilities in those neighboring countries, noting that such maintenance is routine and affects all power-importing nations in the region. The corporation stressed that the interruptions are not the result of mismanagement, broken promises, or a reversal to past practices.

The statement also pointed to long-standing structural challenges, including years of inadequate investment in domestic generation capacity. LEC noted that power generation projects require significant time—often at least 18 months—for planning, financing, construction, and commissioning.

The corporation said, the very stability achieved over the past nine months has boosted public and investor confidence, leading to increased electricity consumption and further widening the supply-demand gap.

LEC reaffirmed that neither it nor the Government of Liberia believes the electricity problem has been solved. As part of a broader energy sovereignty agenda, the corporation said efforts are ongoing to diversify supply, expand domestic generation through Independent Power Producers, strengthen the national grid, and improve regional coordination.

While acknowledging public concern, especially regarding outages affecting hospitals and other critical facilities, LEC urged that discussions about electricity be based on facts rather than speculation.

LEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparent communication and sustained efforts to improve electricity access and reliability nationwide.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.