Post a comment 
The Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC) has launched a series of public hearings across the country to review proposed electricity tariff increases for rural mini-grid operators.
The consultations, which began at the Jane Lahai Hall in Moyamba, are part of the government’s effort to gather public input before approving any tariff adjustments. Similar hearings are scheduled for Koribondo, Kono, Kabala, and Makeni.
The hearings are reviewing tariff applications from Power Leone, PowerGen, and NOA Leone, with the aim of balancing affordable electricity for consumers against the operational needs of mini-grid service providers.
At the centre of the discussion is a proposal by rural mini-grid operator Power Leone to increase electricity tariffs by 85% from the current Le 7 to Le 13 per kilowatt-hour.
Defending the application, Power Leone Market Development Manager Emmanuel Harding cited severe macroeconomic pressures affecting operators, including shifting exchange rates, costly importation of specialised equipment and parts, repayment of dollar-denominated loans, and rising operational and maintenance costs.
Harding argued that adjusting the current tariff is the only way for operators to remain in business and maintain quality services in rural communities.
Opening the hearing, Commissioner Edward Komeh of the Consumer Protection Agency stated that SLEWRC is executing the hearings to guarantee a transparent, predictable, and fair process for all three utilities.
SLEWRC Deputy Director-General Hon. Sama I. Sandy urged residents to openly voice their concerns about the quality of mini-grid electricity supply, assuring them that community feedback would directly influence the Commission’s regulatory decision.
Alfred Kaima, Head of Economic Regulation at SLEWRC, emphasised that the Commission does not simply approve operator requests. Instead, it conducts rigorous independent reviews of expenditures, system losses, and service quality before granting approvals.
Paramount Chief Samuel H. Bengeh of Moyamba Junction used the opportunity to lobby for the immediate extension of mini-grid infrastructure to the Fakunya Chiefdom headquarters, highlighting growing local electricity demand.
