In a landmark decision within the electricity sector in Liberia, the Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has upheld the electricity price at US$0.22 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for customers in Jungle Energy Power (JEP) distribution areas in Nimba and Bong counties.
Announcing the decision in Gompa City, Nimba County, Atty. Kla-Edward Toomey II, Acting Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, emphasized that the revised rate strikes a balance between the interests of consumers and JEP’s need to recover costs and ensure a reasonable return on investment. The new price marks a 12% reduction from the previous rate of US$0.25 per kWh.
Additionally, the Commission introduced a new monthly fixed charge of US$1.50, aimed at supporting network reinforcement and enhancing the quality of service in the two counties. The Commission also mandated that JEP establish an escrow account, jointly managed with LERC, to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the collected fixed charges. Monthly reports on the fixed charge collection will be submitted to the Commission for oversight.
The Commission approved a US$40.00 connection charge for each new customer seeking to connect to JEP’s network in Bong and Nimba counties. This marks a significant reduction from the previous charge of US$100.00, making it easier for new customers to access electricity. The remaining costs will be recovered through the revised energy tariff.
Commissioner Toomey, II explained The US$40.00 paid by new customers will cover the materials required for the connection, which include the following: one energy meter (single/3-phase), 25-meter length of 16-square millimeter low-voltage cable for single phase and equivalent for three phase and maximum of four connectors.
With this new tariff structure, the provisional tariffs previously approved for JEP in 2021 for Nimba County and 2023 for Bong County are hereby revoked.
The newly approved tariffs will be effective from March 20, 2025, to March 19, 2028. Minor tariff reviews may be initiated by either the service provider or the regulator, as outlined in the Multi-Year Tariff Methodology of May 2021.
Responding to the Commission’s decision, JEP’s CEO Tomah S. Floyd, Sr., said the management was processing the commission’s decision and contemplating the next steps, and would respond at the appropriate time come up with a response.
CEO Floyd pinpointed that JEP is open to dialogue with stakeholders on the matter.
The Development Officer of Bong County, Seidiki Kromah, praised the commission’s decision for the reduction in tariffs in Bong and Nimba counties, and hoped that it will not serve as an impediment in the delivery of service for JEP.
Kromah said the reduction will help improve the livelihood of residents in the two counties.
The Deputy Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Charles Umehai, said one of the major priorities of the Government of Liberia (GOL) is to have reliable, efficient and affordable electricity supply.
Minister Umehai called on LERC to provide support to JEP to increase access that will lead to enhancing JEP’s revenue base. He lauded JEP for services noting that “it is a test case that Liberian-owned business can compete, be efficient and can-do electricity distribution successfully.
It can be recalled that LERC has approved a 12% reduction in electricity tariffs for the Bong and Nimba counties grid, operated by JEP. But in January 2025 JEP filed a notice for reconsideration.
