The Government of Sierra Leone has provided its latest update on electricity distribution across the country, outlining progress in expanding access while acknowledging persistent challenges affecting supply and revenue generation.

Speaking at the weekly government press briefing held at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Deputy Minister of Energy 1, Edmund Nonie, announced a significant milestone in rural electrification with Kambia Town now connected to the national grid.

“A total of 275 homes have been electrified, marking significant progress in government’s efforts to increase nationwide access to power,” Nonie said.

Providing a breakdown of electricity distribution nationwide, the Deputy Minister stated that Bo, Kenema, and Kono are currently receiving 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity, while Port Loko is supplied with 1 MW and Lunsar receives 1.25 MW. Moyamba, he said, is being supported through solar energy and generators, while Kailahun, Bonthe, and Pujehun rely entirely on generator-powered electricity.

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He further explained that Makeni and Magburaka are currently receiving between 2 to 6 MW due to ongoing maintenance work on the CLSG transmission line, adding that normal supply is expected to resume once the work is completed.

Addressing electricity supply in Freetown, Nonie attributed ongoing load shedding to seasonal factors and infrastructure constraints. He noted that the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam is currently producing only about 5 MW due to reduced water levels during the dry season, significantly impacting overall generation.

To compensate for the shortfall, the government is relying on alternative energy sources, including the Karpowership, the CLSG interconnection, and the Kingtom Power Station. As a result, Freetown is currently receiving between 56 and 70 MW of electricity.

The Deputy Minister also identified damaged cables, faulty transformers, and acts of vandalism as major contributors to frequent power outages in the capital.

In an effort to improve service delivery, Nonie disclosed that the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has introduced an Electricity Complaints Chatbot.

The platform is expected to enable the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) to respond more efficiently to customer complaints, allowing citizens to report faults and receive timely feedback.

Despite the reported progress, Nonie acknowledged that revenue collection remains a major challenge. He explained that the cost of fueling generators often exceeds the revenue collected from electricity consumers.

He emphasized that, despite these constraints, the government remains committed to improving electricity supply, expanding access, and investing in sustainable energy solutions across Sierra Leone.

The update reflects ongoing efforts by the government to ensure more reliable electricity supply nationwide, with the broader goal of supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.