New Electricity Tariff Approved for Energicity Users in Gbarpolu

Customers of Energicity in Gbarpolu County will begin paying a new electricity rate of US$0.45 per kilowatt-hour starting June 16, 2025, following approval by the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC). The rate will be effective for three years, until June 15, 2028.

As part of the new tariff structure, monthly fixed charges have been introduced to help recover a portion of the network’s costs and to improve the quality of service. Residential customers will pay US$1.00 per month, while commercial customers will pay US$1.50 monthly. Additionally, new customers seeking to connect to the ENERGICITY network will be required to pay a connection fee of US$12. 00.

This decision follows public consultations held in Gbarma, Bopolu, and Henry’s Town, and a thorough evaluation of ENERGICITY’s proposal. Notably, ENERGICITY initially proposed a tariff of US$0.62/kWh and fixed charges of US$2.00. However, LERC approved lower rates to strike a balance between cost recovery and affordability.

Announcing the tariff decision at a ceremony held at Bopolu City Hall, LERC’s Acting Chairman, Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey, II, emphasized that the approved rates were determined in accordance with Section 53 of the Micro-Utility Licensing Regulation (MULR). This section mandates that tariffs for large and medium micro-utility licensees must align with their business plans and the principles outlined in the Tariff Regulations (TR).

“In deriving the end-user tariff we are announcing today, we considered the revenue requirements for ENERGICITY’s efficient operations, projected customer growth, energy demand, and capital and operating costs,” said Atty. Toomey. He added that a minor tariff review would be initiated once all communities in the license area are connected to the grid.

Responding to the tariff announcement, local government authorities praised the announcement as a major step forward for development in the county. Mr. James Kpoto Scott, Acting Superintendent for Gbarpolu, noted that electricity has already improved security and encouraged more residents to connect to the grid. “It is a means for business opportunities to earn income,” he stated.

Gbarpolu County Financial Officer Howard P. Bonqay commended the Commission for detailing the tariff determination process. “At this initial stage, the tariff is affordable, and we hope costs decrease as more customers join the grid,” he added, urging for greater public awareness and education on the tariff structure.

The approval of this tariff marks a critical milestone in expanding electricity access in Liberia’s rural areas, supporting economic development and enhancing quality of life through improved energy infrastructure.

Engineer Richard Arthur of ENERGICITY welcomed the decision, noting that customers have been receiving reliable electricity supply for over eight months without paying. “This approval strengthens our ability to expand services across Gbarpolu and beyond,” he said, adding that the company would begin providing daily billing information to help customers understand their electricity usage. He informed customers that they should get ready to begin paying for their electricity consumption.

ENERGICITY currently operates under a Large Composite Micro Utility License, which enables it to generate, distribute, and sell electricity across ten communities in Gbarpolu County, many of which were previously underserved.