By Rancy S. Teewia
MONROVIA, March 6 (LINA) – The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has announced the suspension of the unauthorized expedited connection service fee being charged by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC).
Speaking at the LERC headquarters on Tuesday March 4, 2025, in Sinkor Monrovia, the Acting Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Kla-Edward Toomey II, avowed that the expedited connection fee of One Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US$150.00) being charged by LEC is not authorized and does not comply with the regulations set forth by the Commission.
He stressed that the Commission has further mandated that the LEC immediately halt the collection of this unauthorized fee from customers seeking expedited connections.
The LERC Acting Board Chair furthered that In line with its decision, the Commission has also initiated an investigation to assess the legality of the expedited connection service fee and to determine the basis on which LEC has been charging a fee that was not approved by the Commission.
“We are committed to ensuring that electricity services are affordable and accessible to all Liberians, and this decision reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that all utility charges are fair and transparent,” Atty Toomey noted.
The Commission has also called for a meeting with the management of LEC to discuss this matter and ensure that LEC complies with the Commission’s directive.
Meanwhile, the Commission is cautioning utilities to refrain from imposing unauthorized fees on customers for the supply of services, citing that the Commission will continue to monitor compliance and take appropriate action against any utility found in violation.
The LERC is mandated to independently regulate the electricity sector in Liberia, including issuing licenses, approving tariffs, ensuring market liberalization, improving service delivery, protecting consumers, and fostering a vibrant electricity market within the country.
The LERC is also acting as the governing body for the electricity industry in Liberia as established under the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia.
