3 Comments
Sierra Leone’s energy sector has successfully surpassed its power supply target for Freetown, delivering over 56 megawatts (MW) of electricity as of 6:00 AM today, despite a significant reduction in output from Karpowership.
The Turkish-based power provider has scaled back its supply to a mere 5.6MW, exclusively reserved for essential institutions.
The achievement follows the effective activation of contingency measures in response to the Karpowership shutdown, ensuring continued electricity supply across the capital. A briefing from the energy situation room confirmed the successful implementation of these measures.
Key contributors to the current power generation include:
Bumbuna Hydroelectric Power Plant: 18.6MW
CLSG (Côte d’Ivoire–Liberia–Sierra Leone–Guinea interconnection): 23MW
Combined total from 161kV line (BHEPP & CLSG): 41.6MW
Niigatta Generators 7 & 8: 9MW
Karpowership (for essential services): 5.6MW
This diversified output has resulted in a total dispatch of 56.29MW to the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) network, exceeding the 50MW target set during the transition period.
In a statement, the Honourable Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, who chairs the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, commended the swift response and coordinated efforts of the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), EDSA, and on-the-ground operational teams. He also extended special acknowledgment to DM1 and DM2 of the Ministry of Energy for their strategic coordination.
“Our contingency measures worked perfectly. This success is a testament to the resilience and professionalism of our energy sector,” Dr. Yumkella stated.
The reduction in supply from Karpowership, previously a primary provider of grid electricity to Freetown, presented a critical challenge. However, the rapid redeployment of alternative sources, particularly the Bumbuna hydroelectric plant and the regional CLSG line, has helped maintain a stable supply, underscoring Sierra Leone’s increasing energy independence and adaptability.
The Ministry of Energy’s leadership continues to closely monitor the situation and is expected to provide further updates as the transition progresses.
In a related development, Myk Berewa, Director of Communications in the Office of the President, shared an update on social media after a late-night drive across parts of Freetown. His Facebook post, detailing a journey through areas including Regent, Jui, Calaba Town, and Kissy Road, highlighted that the city remained lit during the night. Berewa reported meeting engineers at the Kingtom power station who explained the successful transition from Karpowership to the national energy system. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Energy, assuring residents that the city would not be plunged into darkness.
The visible continuity of power was also noted by popular politician Slyvia Blyden, who praised Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, writing, “Tonight, EDSA electricity has not even blinked. Thank you Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella.”
As I type this message right now, we are once again in total darkness at the Low-Cost Housing community. The power has gone off yet again, and this is becoming more than just an inconvenience it is an ongoing crisis. This is not just about light; this is about the dignity and quality of life we as Sierra Leonean citizens are entitled to.
How long must we continue to live like this? It is disheartening and unacceptable that, even in 2025, over six decades since we gained independence, we have never enjoyed a full year of uninterrupted electricity. Government after government has come and gone, each promising improvement in energy supply. Yet the reality remains the same: blackouts today, maybe light tomorrow, and again, darkness the day after.
We are tired. We are frustrated. We are citizens of this nation, and we deserve better.
Just recently, people were speaking about a looming 25-day blackout, and many including myself thought it was nothing more than a rumor. But now, the reality has hit home. We are currently experiencing it. The truth has become painfully clear: our electricity supply system is not only unreliable but also fragile and deeply mismanaged.
Electricity is no longer a luxury it is a basic necessity. Students are unable to study at night, businesses are shutting down or spending heavily on generators, hospitals are left in darkness during emergencies, and ordinary families suffer in silence. This isn’t just about power; it’s about health, education, livelihood, and national development.
How do we talk about progress when we cannot even guarantee electricity for our citizens?
We are calling on the government on the Ministry of Energy, EDSA, and all those in authority to stop making excuses and start delivering solutions. Sierra Leoneans deserve a stable, transparent, and sustainable energy system. The time for promises has long passed. We want results. We want consistent power supply. We want to stop counting the number of blackout days in a month and start living normal, dignified lives.
It’s high time this nation prioritized its people and invested in lasting infrastructure that benefits all, not just a privileged few. We are watching. We are tired. But more importantly, we are demanding change.
Persistent Blackouts at Low-Cost Housing:
When Will This End?
Foday Alfred Fogbawa, have you joined the APC to shamelessly criticise every developmental strides made by the current government? Take a good look at yourself and reflect. Are you serious about all the gibberish trash you have written? I am ignoring all your grammatical errors and misuse of syntax. Just focusing on what you are childishly trying to portray to the public.
Good luck to you.
Good move but we’re not yet over the hump yet; it’s premature to celebrate. Firstly, If EDSA/EGTC are unable to pay Karpowership, what guarantee is there they will be able to pay CSLG (accounting for 40% of energy generation)? Furthermore, 56MW energy generation does not translate to 56MW energy consumption – considering loss in the system is about 60%. So, most of the energy supplied is wasted/lost making it very expensive for EDSA to operate. Also, what happens to the outstanding debt owing to Karpowership? Wi dae balance dat? Until we are able to cheaply produce and own our energy we still have some way to go. But kudos to KKY, the “cornerstone” the “people” rejected…