By Politico Staff Writer
As the challenges to pay power producers heighten, the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has engaged stakeholders in a day’s public hearing for the proposed increase in the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) tariff from 11 to 12 US cents.
The public hearing was held at the Freetown City Council Hall on Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown on the 21st September, 2023.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of SLEWRC, Dr. Emmanuel Mannah noted that the Commission is the regulatory agency for EDSA which acts as the referee between consumers and EDSA. He said despite being the sole institution that issues licenses to power producers, they will also listen to concerns and comments made from consumers for the best interest of all before making an informed decision.
He pointed out that the Commission is people-centered with eight (8) board members representing various professional organizations including the Sierra Leone Labour Congress, a Management Team with five departments comprising Electricity, Water, Legal, Complaints and Economic Regulations.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Samuel Gbetuwa observed that they have not discussed an increase in electricity tariff for a long time, stressing that it is very expensive to produce electricity.
He stated that they faced serious challenges to pay the Karpowership, Bumbuna Hydro–Electric Dam and other Independent Power Providers (IPPs) who are the producers of electricity.
The Chairman of the event and member of the SLEWRC Board, Saidu Bockarie said that they would listen attentively to all stakeholders for a review of the tariff. He assured that they would ensure EDSA is sustainable and profitable as it provides quality service for customers.
During the question and answer session, consumers raised several concerns including poor services provided by EDSA, poor customer care, that meters are not calibrated, the slow response of EDSA to emergencies, frequent power cuts and that due to the harsh economic situation in the country there should be no increase in tariff now.
Other stakeholders highlighted that the frequent power cuts damage their electrical appliances and that consumers are not compensated by EDSA. They further noted that the proposed increase in tariff is untimely, and that the government should continue with its subsidy support to EDSA.
At the end of the meeting, SLEWRC assured all that its final decision will be in the best interest of all stakeholders.
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