The Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has announced a load shedding schedule for March 2025, aimed at addressing significant electricity supply challenges in the Western Area.

The decision comes as the country enters the dry season, reducing the capacity of the Bumbuna hydroelectric plant to less than a quarter of its peak production.

According to EDSA, the current electricity supply comes from Bumbuna, Karpower, and the Kingtom generators operated by the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC). Additionally, generators at Blackhall Road are undergoing repairs and are expected to be operational in the coming months. Despite these sources, EDSA can only meet 65% of peak electricity demand in the Western Area.

To address the shortfall, EDSA will implement load shedding, prioritizing hospitals and strategic areas. The agency has assured the public that no customer will experience electricity outages for more than 72 consecutive hours.

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Daytime electricity supply (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM) will be prioritized for Central Business District (CBD) areas, industrial zones in Cline Town and Blackhall Road, hotels in Aberdeen and Lumley, and key institutions such as hospitals, the President Lodge, VP Lodge, and Sister Mess Hospital. These areas will receive between 10 to 12 hours of electricity daily.

Nighttime electricity supply (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM) will be provided on a rotational basis, with various areas receiving electricity for 9 hours every other day. Affected areas include Wilkinson Road, Signal Hill, Congo Cross, Olosoro, Murray Town, Aberdeen, Cockle Bay, and several others across Freetown.

EDSA has urged customers experiencing electricity outages lasting over 72 hours without an official announcement of faults to report the issue by calling the designated numbers: 033033546 or 073280504. In the event of faults within specific areas, residents are advised to call 672.

Furthermore, EDSA has issued a warning to its staff and the public, stating that any attempts to alter the load-shedding schedule through bribery or undue influence will result in strict disciplinary action.

The load-shedding schedule is part of EDSA’s ongoing efforts to manage limited electricity supply resources while ensuring essential services remain functional during the challenging dry season.