MONROVIA – The Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission (LERC) has approved a 12% reduction in electricity tariffs for the Jungle Energy Power (JEP)-operated grid in Bong and Nimba counties.
The new tariffs, effective January 31, 2025, were announced by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Claude J. Katta, during a ceremony in Gompa City, Nimba County, on December 30, 2024.
Under the revised tariff structure, the energy charge has been reduced from US$0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to US$0.22 per kWh, providing significant relief for electricity consumers. Additionally, a new monthly fixed charge of US$1.25 has been introduced to fund network improvements and enhance service quality. LERC is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JEP, detailing how the fixed charge will benefit consumers in the company’s operational areas.
In another major adjustment, the connection charge for new customers has been slashed from US$100 to US$40. This reduction aims to make electricity more affordable and accessible, covering connection material costs while recouping the remaining expenses through the revised energy tariffs.
Chairman Katta explained that the changes were based on a comprehensive technical analysis in compliance with the 2015 Electricity Law of Liberia, which mandates LERC to regulate and set tariffs for the electricity sector. He assured the public that the new tariffs strike a balance between enabling JEP to cover operational costs, incentivizing system improvements, and ensuring affordable electricity for consumers.
The new tariff structure will remain in effect from January 31, 2025, to January 30, 2028, replacing provisional tariffs previously established for Nimba County in 2021 and Bong County in 2023.
Mr. Tomah Seh Floyd, CEO of Jungle Group of Companies—the parent company of JEP—welcomed the decision and pledged compliance with the new structure. Acknowledging challenges such as inconsistent revenue and insufficient data, he emphasized JEP’s commitment to improving local electricity generation.
“We are exploring ways to generate our own electricity, which will allow us to be more efficient and reduce the price of electricity,” Floyd said. “Serving our people remains our biggest achievement,” he added.
Nimba County Superintendent Madam Meapeh Kou Gono praised the tariff reduction, noting that it would allow consumers to save money without hampering the county’s economic productivity. She highlighted Nimba’s role as Liberia’s second-largest economy and commended JEP for its contributions to local development. However, she expressed hope that the tariff changes would not result in electricity shortages, a concern among local stakeholders.
In a related move, LERC has directed JEP to submit a detailed report on the collection of legacy debts previously incurred by customers under the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) before the operational areas were handed over to JEP. The report, due by January 15, 2025, must outline the amounts collected, remitted to LEC, and the outstanding balances. LERC warned that non-compliance could lead to regulatory penalties, investigations, or other enforcement actions.
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