LEC License Renewal Faces Public Test

Liberia’s electricity future is under intense regulatory scrutiny as the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) seeks renewal of its five-year electricity import license amid rising national demand, expanding solar investments, and growing public expectations for stable power supply.

The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, opened a formal public hearing to review LEC’s application, placing the state-owned utility at the center of a decision that could significantly shape the country’s energy stability and economic trajectory.

Docketed as LERC 0221-LR-RM01, the hearing was convened in line with Section 37(8) of the 2016 Electricity Law, which mandates public participation in major licensing decisions, with LEC’s current import license, issued on January 19, 2021 expires on January 18, 2026.

Without renewal, the LERC warned, Liberia risks potential disruptions to electricity supply that could directly affect hospitals, schools, businesses, and households.

Presenting before the regulator and the public, LEC Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Thomas Gonkerwon described the renewal as critical to sustaining national growth and ensuring long-term energy security.

“We generate, we transmit and we distribute. Energy is the catalyst to growth. Through electricity, we make things happen, in health, in education, in commerce, in every sector,” Thomas told the Commission.

According to him, the corporation’s application is anchored in Section 61 of the 2015 Energy Law, Regulation 48 of the Electricity Licensing Regulations, and Clause 6.0 of the Importation License Terms and Conditions.

Speaking, Gonkerwon argued that rising load demand, coupled with ongoing infrastructure investments, makes continuity of its import license essential to avoid setbacks in power stability.

“Our mandate is clear. We turn on the lights of people’s lives,” he stated.

Also, LEC Deputy Managing Director for Operations outlined a five-year strategy that includes expanded solar generation, commissioning of a new solar power plant, strengthened load-demand forecasting, grid reliability upgrades, and establishment of district offices nationwide.

For his part, LERC Board Chairman Claude J. Katta emphasized the Commission’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder input.

He said, “We are determined and committed to public participation and public input in our decision-making. We have gathered to listen to LEC and receive input from stakeholders before reaching a final determination.”

However, LERC Board Chairman confirmed that notices of the hearing were published on January 26 in accordance with statutory requirements and that written submissions will be accepted following the session.

He narrated that although LEC holds multiple operational licenses, including generation, transmission, distribution, trade, and import/export, underscoring that each license renewal must independently satisfy regulatory standards.

Katta said that electricity importation remains a critical component of Liberia’s power mix, particularly as the country works to stabilize supply, expand grid access, and integrate renewable energy sources.