Ganta, Nimba County – February 8, 2025 – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has called for urgent and collective action to address Liberia’s persistent electricity challenges, emphasizing the need to move beyond discussions to tangible solutions.
Speaking at the National Energy Sector Coordination Retreat in Ganta, VP Koung urged policymakers, industry experts, and private sector representatives to work together in developing a clear roadmap for energy reform. The retreat, held at Koung’s Farm from February 8-9, seeks to create a four-year strategic plan aligned with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships
Highlighting the potential of privatization in improving electricity services, the Vice President commended Jungle Energy Power (JEP) for providing stable power to Nimba County since 2015. Unlike other parts of the country, JEP-managed areas have experienced minimal outages, except in cases of external disruptions such as fallen trees. Koung believes expanding such public-private partnerships could be key to resolving Liberia’s electricity crisis.
He also raised concerns about electricity theft, blaming some employees of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for contributing to power losses. “We cannot remain dependent on others; we must take responsibility for our energy future,” he stated.
Liberia’s Ongoing Electricity Struggles
Liberia continues to grapple with severe electricity shortages, high tariffs, and an unreliable grid. The Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the primary provider, struggles with financial and operational challenges, including widespread power theft and technical losses. Many communities remain without access to stable electricity, while businesses and households rely heavily on expensive private generators.
The country’s total generation capacity is insufficient to meet demand, with the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant—Liberia’s main energy source—operating below capacity due to maintenance and transmission issues. The government has been exploring renewable energy alternatives, including the St. Paul River 2nd Hydropower Plant (SP2) and solar power projects.
Government’s Plan for Energy Reform
To address these challenges, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai recently issued Executive Order No. 137, amending a previous directive to establish a high-level steering committee led by VP Koung. The committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of key renewable energy projects, including the SP2 hydropower initiative and the Solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) project.
The retreat in Ganta has gathered key government agencies, including the Ministry of Mines and Energy, LEC, the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency (RREA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to discuss regulatory reforms, investment strategies, and policies for transitioning to sustainable energy.
As Liberia faces mounting electricity challenges, VP Koung’s call for collective action signals a renewed commitment to finding lasting solutions for the country’s energy sector
